Work is underway to restore the Biloxi Visitors Center. Hurricane Zeta back in October 2020 caused nearly $1.06M in damages on the two-story structure at Porter Avenue and Highway 90.
Exterior repairs include a complete roof replacement, new entrance doors and storm shutters, and a fresh coat of paint. On the interior, replacements to the center’s ceiling and flooring will be made along with some additional repainting.
Earlier this week, crews with Mandal’s Inc. Roofing Professionals and Hopkins Construction began those repairs.
According to Visitors Center Manager and City Historical Administrator Bill Raymond, the repairs will restore the center to a ‘like-new’ condition.
“The Visitors Center is the first impression many people have when visiting Biloxi,” said Raymond. “When work is completed, it will once again be that gracious beautiful welcome that our visitors deserve.”
The visitors center will remain open to the public, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, as repairs are being made. In 2021, the visitors center welcomed 81,914 people and served as host to 202 events.
To date, 80 percent of the city’s Hurricane Zeta repairs have been completed. Work is also in the process for the Lighthouse Pier and the Small Craft Harbor Commercial Dock.
As for the Lighthouse Pier, the design has been completed, submitted to FEMA, and is on its way for approval. The new pier will be rebuilt with concrete pilings and flow through decking with a protective rock jetty. No date has been set on when that work will begin.
News & Notes: Council, Billfish, market festival
City Council: The Biloxi City Council met twice Tuesday night for a special-called and a regular meeting. Recordings of both can be viewed by clicking here. The recordings can also be viewed on BTV each morning at 9 a.m. with repeats at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Council meetings: The next regularly scheduled council meetings are: Tuesday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. — both in the council chambers at City Hall. To see more about the City Council, click here.
Billfish Classic Boat Parade: The annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic is taking place along the Coast through Sunday. Hundreds of anglers are competing for over $2,000,000 in cash and prizes. Spectators can enjoy free live entertainment at the weigh scales on Friday, from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday, 3-6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Community Market Fest: The first of four Charles R. Hegwood Community Market festivals is set for Thursday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the I-110 overpass at the corner of Hopkins and Howard Avenue. Along with fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and crafts, there will be live entertainment, hourly giveaways, demonstration booths and more. Food will be available to purchase. To see the flyer, click here.
