Resorts report bustling business for January

The three Biloxi casino resorts that re-opened in late December took in more than $50 million in gross gaming revenues in January.

That amount compares to the nearly $80 million a month that the city’s nine casino resorts would gross on any given month before the storm.

“These figures prove that the hospitality industry in Biloxi has a strong and loyal following, and that we are poised for unprecedented greatness when more of our resorts and local businesses are up and running,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said. “We have a ways to go in the recovery process, but there’s plenty of promise on the horizon.”

Holloway also noted that more than a quarter of the area’s nearly 20,000 hotel rooms are online, although a number are occupied by relief workers. The three casino resorts offering rooms and other amenities are Imperial Palace, the Isle of Capri and the Palace Casino.

“The bottom line is that the demand is there for the hospitality industry,” Holloway said, “and the supply is in the works and on the way.”

Gaming revenue also provides funds for state and local communities.

State and local governments and public school systems share 12 percent of the monthly gross gaming revenue. The state collects 8 percent, while city and county governments and school districts share the remaining 3.2 percent.

To see the state’s monthly report, click here.

Holloway to appear on C-SPAN Sunday evening

Mayor A.J. Holloway will discuss the challenges of a post-Katrina Biloxi Sunday night during an hour-long interview on C-SPAN, cable’s public affairs network with about 34.5 million viewers across the country.

Holloway appears on the weekly series “Q&A,” which airs at 7 and 10 p.m. CT and is hosted by C-SPAN’s Brian Lamb.

The program, which was taped during Holloway’s recent visit to Washington to address the U.S. Conference of Mayors, will include excerpts from the city-commissioned documentary “Katrina & Biloxi,” Lamb questioning Holloway about the history of Biloxi, and even references to the mayor’s gridiron days at Ole Miss.

Read C-SPAN’s online promo for the show by click here.

Council’s next scheduled meeting is Feb. 21

The Biloxi City Council, which last month returned to a revised version of its meeting schedule, is not scheduled to meet until Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The council had been gathering on a weekly basis since the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but opted to return to its meeting on the first, third and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Baseball, softball registration is Saturday

The city of Biloxi will conduct registration for its baseball and softball leagues for those ages 5 to 16 Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Donal Snyder Community Center. Last weekend, nearly 240 youngsters registered for baseball and about 150 signed up for softball. There is no registration fee for either sport.

Details: Greg Eleuterius, Athletics Specialist, 228-435-6148 or geleuterius@biloxi.ms.us

Ohr plans evening soiree in downtown park

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art will host “Wine, Cheese and Clay with Guest Potter Randy Sills” on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Margaret Peresich Park in downtown Biloxi. The event is free for Ohr members and a $5 donation will be suggested for others.

For more on the event, click here.

Seats for ‘State of City’ now available

The Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Mayor A.J. Holloway’s “State of the City” address will be Thursday, Feb. 23, during a luncheon at the IP Hotel & Casino in Biloxi.

Advance seats – no tickets will be sold at the door – are $25 each or $300 for a reserved table of 10. Reservation deadline is Feb. 16. For additional information, e-mail Susan Hunt at huntsd41@yahoo.com or call 435-6149.

Biloxi to be national launching pad for Great American Cleanup

Biloxi has been selected as the backdrop for the national kickoff of the Great American Cleanup, which takes place on March 2 and is expected to attract a host of national dignitaries and publicity for the city and surrounding area.

Read more about the event and how you can be involved by click here.

Mardi Gras seating available for elderly, frail

The City of Biloxi will again provide special seating for disabled and frail or elderly residents to view the Gulf Coast Carnival Association afternoon parade on Feb. 28, Mardi Gras Day.

The city is marking its 22nd year hosting the special protected seating area, which this year will be on the west side of Lameuse Street, across from City Hall.

For more information, click here.

Webcasting: Issues, events du jour

This week’s “City Desk” webcast covers a gamut of issues, including advice from city Arborist Eric Nolan. To listen, click here.