Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will join leaders of Gulf Coast Carnival this evening in honoring the future of Mardi Gras in the 20th annual Shoe Box Float Contest winners.
Recognition of the shoebox float winners is near the top of the agenda for tonight’s City Council meeting, which begins at 6 o’clock at City Hall. Also on the agenda: a scheduled infrastructure update, and a resolution calling for a public hearing to discuss a facade grant for 918 Howard Ave., where Machado-Patano Engineering is restoring the former Merchiston Hall building.
Meantime, the shoebox float program, which was conceived by longtime carnival and school supporters Susan Hunt and her sister, Martha Tripp, allows students from schools in Biloxi to use shoe boxes to construct model Mardi Gras floats. The contest is designed to help perpetuate the traditions of Carnival. The contest is sponsored by the city, Biloxi Public Schools and Gulf Coast Carnival.
This year’s contest, which followed the Gulf Coast Carnival theme of “Ride of Your Life,” featured students from Biloxi Upper Elementary School, Nativity BVM Elementary School and Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School.
First place winners: Jacoby Altman, Biloxi Upper Elementary; Brennan Tarrant, Nativity; and Lily Jordon, Our Lady of Fatima.
Second place: Michelle Brunetti, Biloxi Upper Elementary; Jackson Davis, Nativity; and Kamryn Donoian, Our Lady of Fatima.
Third place winners: Kairi Wagner, Biloxi Upper Elementary; Sabree Puzz, Nativity; and Carter McLendon, Our Lady of Fatima.
Honorable mention: Jaia Hardaway, Biloxi Upper Elementary; and Delaney Schepens, Our Lady of Fatima.
Gallery: See photos the winning shoebox float entries
See the City Council meeting agenda
News and notes: Fisher House, reports, dance, fundraiser
Fisher house dedication: Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Keesler leaders were on hand this morning for the dedication of the Fisher House at Keesler, the base’s second and the 75th built worldwide. The program was established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher to improve the quality of life for members of the military, retirees, veterans and their families particularly in their time of need. To see images from the gathering, click here.
The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 144 calls for service, including 95 medical emergencies and four fires; the Police Department handled 2,067 calls for service; the Community Development Department issued 67 building permits with a construction valuation of more than $3 million; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city. To see the reports covering last week, click here.
Special Needs Mardi Gras ball: The Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Special Needs Mardi Gras Ball & Dance on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community. The event is free and open to all ages with mental and physical disabilities. To see the flyer, click here.
Fundraiser for retired officer: Retired Biloxi Police Officer Mitch Roberts recently suffered a stroke and to assist with medical expenses, the Biloxi Police Department is holding a fundraiser on Friday at the West End Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum on Howard Avenue. Plates of red beans and rice with sausage, bread and a salad are $7. Take-out is available. To see the flyer, click here.