The week of history in Biloxi; other news and notes

Reminder: Two history-related events are unfolding in Biloxi this week, as the city marks the 309th anniversary of the landing of the explorer D’Iberville in Biloxi.

—The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society is sponsoring the 18th annual Mississippi Coast History Week through Thursday at the Biloxi Community Center.

—And on Wednesday, coincidentally the actual 309th anniversary of D’Iberville stepping foot on present-day Biloxi shores, a replica of Christopher Columbus’s “Nina” will open for tours at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Pier on east beach.

For details on both events, click here.

Sweethearts Ball planned for children

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Sweethearts Ball and Dance on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Biloxi Community Center, 591 Howard Ave.

The Sweethearts Ball and Dance is open to children ages 6 to 12. A King, Queen, Grand Duke, and Duchess will be crowned by random drawing of names.

Refreshments will be available and a local DJ will emcee the event. Security will also be provided. All children must be picked up from the center by 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 228-435-6148, email programs@biloxi.ms.us or visit online at biloxi.ms.us/pr.

News and notes

Council meeting: The Hayes Bolton issue on the agenda for today’s City Council meeting has been postponed until the council’s Feb. 19 meeting. To see the complete agenda for today’s meeting, as set last week, click here.

Road construction update: The city’s Public Works Department offers an update on road work each weekday morning in the Traffic Update section of the city web site. To see today’s report, click here.