“The word’s getting out that we have a really nice family-oriented Mardi Gras,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says of the two Biloxi parades, which collectively attracted as many as 80,000 people with a record-low number of arrests.
“On behalf of Mayor Gilich and the City Council, we want to thank the public for making this such an enjoyable Carnival season for us,” said Miller, noting that Biloxi officers arrested only four individuals at the Neptune parade on Saturday night and 11 others at the Gulf Coast Carnival parade on Fat Tuesday.
Capt. Harold “Butch” Windom, who coordinated the police department’s 100-plus Mardi Gras force, said that the chillier weather Tuesday morning and a “force-multiplier” from the Alcohol Beverage Control agents helped reduce issues. ABC agents, who work in plainclothes, cited 45 individuals for alcohol-related offenses.
Biloxi Police have arrested as many as a hundred individuals for various offenses in years past.
“We know where the problem areas typically area,” Windom said, “and we’re able to work to reduce issues in those areas. We were pleased with the way things turned out, and we want to thank the public for helping things go smoothly and enjoyable for everyone.”
See a two-minute, rapid fire video of GCCA by videographer August Taconi
See GCCA photos from before the parade to the Mayor Gilich’s toast to royalty
See GCCA photos from Aris Taconi
City Desk: Inside Mardi Gras security by BPD Capt. Harold Windom
News and notes
Daddy-Daughter Dance: The Parks and Recreation Department is inviting all fathers and daughter to dance the evening away tonight from 7 to 9 at the Donal Snyder Community Center for the third Annual Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. Admission is free. Cookies and punch will be served and a king and queen will be chosen. To see the flyer, click here.
Learn to swim: Due to a high demand for beginner swimming lessons, the Biloxi Aquatics Division has added an additional beginner level class to its Spring Swimming Lessons.  The class, which replaces an intermediate class, will be held March 14 through 24 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.  Lessons are currently being held at the Biloxi Natatorium, 1384 Father Ryan Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6:45 p.m.  To view the swimming lesson schedule and for more information including fees, click here.
Development report: The weekly Community Development report, which typically appeared each Friday, will be published each Monday now, along with the Police and Fire departments weekly reports.
