The City of Biloxi has shut down most of its historic properties and museums in order to allow staff to begin preparing the buildings for high winds and rain with Hurricane Ivan.
Among the properties closed are Tullis-Toledano Manor, the Mardi Gras Museum, and Old Brick House.
Other municipal facilities, such as the Donal Snyder Center, Natatorium and O’Hanlon Gym, also are expected to close early today.
Mayor A.J. Holloway continues to advise residents to monitor new reports, heed warnings and take steps now to protect their property.
Holloway told City Hall staff and other departments that they should begin securing their work places, and only essential personnel are expected to report to work Wednesday. Non-essential city workers will be given information numbers to begin monitoring Thursday morning for updates on when they are expected to return to work.
News and notes
Residents should secure lawn furniture, trash receptacles and other items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission has notified Mayor A.J. Holloway that it would order casinos closed at noon today.
Harrison County is providing free sand bags at its Lorraine Coward Road center, near the sheriff’s maintenance facility. A worker said additional sand is being bagged this morning and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis after noon today. Info: 896-0210.
Cancellations and postponements
Biloxi Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Those to scheduled to appear on Thursday should appear Oct. 7. Those scheduled to appear Wednesday will notified of their new court date.
The Biloxi Fire Department has announced that the Fireman’s Day parade scheduled for Saturday has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.
The Biloxi Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday has been postponed until Oct. 7.
Harrison County Civil Defense notices
Medical volunteers sought for shelters: Civil Defense officials are asking qualified medical personnel to volunteer to staff shelters in Harrison and Hancock counties. “Qualified medical personnel” would include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, emergency medical technicians and other appropriately trained people. To volunteer, call American Medical Response at 1-228-897-1196.
Marine advisory issued: Deteriorating weather conditions have led Civil Defense Director Linda Rouse to issue a maritime advisory to all boat owners in Harrison County. A maritime advisory means that all boaters should seek safe harbor while favorable conditions still exist. Rouse advises that all boats be secured by 6 p.m. today.
