Spring Break generates traffic and trash headaches

A record crowd of 60,000 spring breakers clogged local roadways and litter in their wake in an event that began Friday afternoon and ran into the late hours of Sunday.

“We’re accessing the situation right now, the good, the bad and the ugly,” Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said this morning. “The biggest things, of course, are the traffic and trash, and the sheer volume of people, to jump from 35,000 or so last year to no less than 60,000 this year.”

Biloxi Police reported 1,042 calls for service related to Spring Break. Those calls, which included 166 traffic stops, generated 46 arrests, including nine felony arrests, over the three-day period

“It was probably one of the more troublesome spring breaks we’ve had in quite a few years,” said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, whose officers were assisted by members of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. “There were quite a few more people, quite a few more incidents and several criminal complaints. And while we were trying to keep traffic moving, people were trying to cross the road wherever they wanted, causing drivers to slam on brakes.”

About the litter: Harrison County and city crews today had picked up most of the litter from the U.S. 90 medians and rights-of-way, but public crews are prohibited from working on private property. Trash and litter moved to the curbside can be picked by Waste Pro or city crews. To make arrangements, call the city Citizens Service line at 435-6279 or email cross@biloxi.ms.us
See Spring Break police report, by the numbers

 

 

City files action to recover rent money

The City of Biloxi today took steps in Harrison County Chancery Court to protect its right to $606,350.52 in rent paid into a state holding fund by the Golden Nugget Casino Resort.

The state Legislature last year erroneously transferred the city’s money into the state general fund and failed to return the money during the recently concluded legislative session.

“We’re confident that the right thing will be done,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, “but we also most make sure our claim to this money remains active.”
See the city’s action filed today
2017 Legislative history:
— See demise of House Bill 973
— See the demise of Senate Bill 2366
— See the demise of Senate Bill 2625

 

Sign up now for the kids fire academy

Looking for a fun and educational camp for your child to attend? Interested in having your child learn more about fire safety? Well, the Biloxi Fire Department has your answers.

The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications for its Fire Academy for Kids Camp.

Registration is open weekdays at the Fire Department Station No. 1 in the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., and is available to the first 40 registrants. 

The academy, a free, five-day participatory camp for children ages 7 to 12, will take place at Fire Station No. 1, and at the nearby West End Hose Company No. 3 Fire Museum, 1046 Howard Ave. Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The sessions allow campers to learn life-safety skills in fire safety and first aid through classroom activities, hands-on training and homework. They are also introduced up close and personal to firefighters, the equipment they use and the jobs they perform. Each day snacks and a beverage will be provided to the children.
See the registration forms

 

News and notes

The week that was: To see the latest on proposed developments and zoning change requests made to the Community Development Department as well as the calls for service made to the Police and Fire Departments, click here.

Traffic:  To stay up-to-date on road closures and the city wide street sweeping schedule, click here

Mad Hatter:  Life went on outside Spring Break, at least at the Biloxi Yacht Club. Biloxi First Lady Serena Gilich participated in a Mad Hatter contest at the BYC Mad Hatter”s Gourmet Buffet on Saturday afternoon.  To see a couple images from the event, click here