A second cold-weather shelter is opening in Biloxi tonight to help the homeless avoid the expected frigid temperatures, and emergency managers say both shelters also will be open on Wednesday evening.
More than three dozen people sought refuge in the shelter at Back Bay Mission on Division Street Monday evening, prompting the opening this evening of a second shelter, at the Church of the Redeemer on Water Street, a block north of U.S. 90 off Bellman Street.
Both shelters will open from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. today and Wednesday.
The National Weather Service says temperatures this evening are expected to fall to 32 degrees, and as low as 29 degrees on Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast chapter of the American Red Cross will staff both shelters. Coast Transit Authority will provide transportation to each, and Feed My Sheep will serve meals this evening and tomorrow morning. The Red Cross also will be accepting donation of coats and jackets at the shelters.
Current conditions and forecast: To see the detailed seven-day forecast, as well as a hazardous weather outlook in English and Spanish, click here.
Winter tips: To see winter fire safety tips from the Biloxi Fire Department,
click here.
News and notes
Phonebook recycling: Those who have not done so already should deliver their outdated phonebooks to their local schools for recycling, reminds Biloxi civic leader Arlene Canaan.
Kenny Rogers and Biloxi: When Kenny Rogers came to town the other night, he needed a back-up chorus, and he found one in the Biloxi High School choir. To read the story and see photos from the Rogers show at IP, plus to see photos from the Excel by 5 event today,
click here.
Christmas on the Water winners: Conched Out Too, a vessel owned by Bill and Patty Dickerson, was named the best of the fleet in the weekend’s Christmas on the Water boat parade. To see the complete list of winners by category, click here.
Traffic update: To see the latest on road work in and around the city, click here.