Police Chief: Relax. Cruise through the weekend, enjoy the view

“It’s been just wonderful,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says of Cruisin’ the Coast, which is rolling into its final weekend.

Organizers of the 17th annual affair, which began last weekend in the wake of no-show Tropical Storm Karen, report that more than 6,200 vehicles from 40 states and Canada are taking part in this year’s event, which is being staged against a backdrop of picture-perfect weather.

“There’s no doubt that we’re seeing record numbers of cars, and record numbers of people watching along Highway 90 or at the official Cruisin’ sites,” Miller said. “We’ve seen lots of traffic, and we’re expecting it to get heavier into the weekend. The good news up to this point is that we haven’t had any law enforcement issues.”

Live entertainment will be offered at criuisin’ sites at Edgewater Mall and in neighboring cities. The Biloxi casino resorts, meantime, have an entertainment lineup that includes Jerry Lee Lewis, the Beach Boys, Herman’s Hermits, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and The Return, the Beatles tribute band.

For Cruisin’, though, it’s all about the cars and traveling from one end of the beach to the other.

Extra Biloxi police officers – in police cruisers, on motorcycles, and on four-wheel vehicles – will continue patrolling Beach Boulevard ready to respond to areas where traffic appears to be snarled, Miller said.

“Everybody needs to know that there are going to be traffic delays,” the chief said. “Plan accordingly, and enjoy the ride.”

Police also are prepared to implement special-event traffic plans, if needed. “We’d probably start with some type of low-scale venting initially,” Miller said. “That would involve closing off some turning lanes and intersections so we can keep traffic moving to the east and west. We’ll see how it goes. We certainly want everyone to have a great time, but we also want traffic to keep moving.”

Cruisin’ lineup: To find this weekend’s Cruisin’ the Coast entertainment lineup,
click here.

Overall weekend lineup: To see the entire weekend lineup, as compiled by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau,
click here.

The word on the weekend: Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Show

Biloxi Visitors Center Manager Bill Raymond previews the inaugural Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Show, which takes place Saturday, and you’ll have a chance to meet one of the artists, Deborah Sackett, in this week’s City Desk webcast.

To listen to the program, which was taped Thursday at the Biloxi Visitors Center, 12-minute program, click here.

Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball is tonight

The Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball tonight from 6 to 9 at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road.

This free event is open to youths and adults with mental and physical disabilities. A costume contest will be held with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. Food and security will be provided.

For additional information, contact Cheryl Bell at 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us.

Excel by 5’s annual safety fair this weekend

Excel by 5 will hold its annual Safety Fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Biloxi Town Green, 710 Beach Blvd.

This free event is open to children from ages birth to five. Participants will be able to meet Spot the Dog and McGruff the Crime dog as well as take part in games and activities. Information will include tips involving school, boat and water, tricycle and helmet, Halloween, car seat, police, home, pool, fire and bus safety.


For additional information, contact Susan Hunt at 228-297-6808, susan.hunt@biloxi.ms.us or Cheryl Bell at 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us.

Vote expected Tuesday on proposal to add more casino-zoned land

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday will face a couple of zoning and land-use issues, including a measure that would add casino-zoned land on Back Bay.

Councilmembers will consider a request to re-zone nearly 19 acres of land – on Back Bay from I-110 westward – to allow casinos.

To see the complete agenda and supporting documents – more than a dozen measures in all — click here.