Report any structural damage to city

Property damage from Hurricane Ida appears to be very limited after an initial windshield appraisal, says Community Development Director Jerry Creel, but businesses and residents are encouraged to report any structure damage caused by the storm.

“We’re following through with our damage estimates, and we’re asking anyone with structure damage from the storm to call the Community Development Department at 228-435-6280 so that we can immediately send someone out for an inspection.”

Added Creel: “The limited damage we received from Hurricane Ida may have been minimized by the hit we took last year from Hurricane Zeta. Hurricane Zeta removed many of the weak or dead trees and substandard structures that would have certainly added to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.”

Reminder: Do not pay in advance

Property owners are warned to beware of transient contractors who typically set up shop in the wake of disasters such as a hurricane.

The City of Biloxi is home to many reputable, licensed building contractors who are qualified to make repairs. However, after a storm, a number of transient contractors set up temporary shop in our community.

Before having any work done, ask to see the person’s City of Biloxi license card, which is required to do business in this city. Do not pay any money in advance. Do not sign any contracts. And do not pay any money until the work has been inspected and approved by a city inspector.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the Community Development Department beginning Friday morning at 228-435-6280.

News & notes: Reports, council, visitors center

The week that was: Weekly reports from the departments of Police, Fire, Community Development and Engineering departments are now online for your review. To see the report from last week and an archive of weekly reports, click here.

City council: The Biloxi City Council will hold a special called meeting at 1:30 this afternoon at Biloxi City Hall to further the discussion on the employee health insurance as well as dental, optical and life benefits. The meeting will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel, which can be accessed by clicking the LIVE tab on the top right of the city’s website. To see the agenda, click here.

Visitors Center: The Biloxi Visitors Center will be closed until Friday to allow staff to clean up and prepare the building for the last holiday weekend of the Summer.  The center, which was inundated with rain water, will open at 8 a.m. on Friday.