It all began with a 50-year-old photo of a Christmas-garbed Biloxi Lighthouse, and Thursday night revelers can take part in a new Biloxi tradition: the Christmas lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
The ceremony, where Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will flip a switch to energize red and silver garlands draped from the top of the 64-foot tall lighthouse, takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the median surrounding the U.S. 90 landmark. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and visitors will be able to purchase the new Christmas in Biloxi long-sleeve T-shirts.
Read the full story and see the Joe Moran photo that started it all
Biloxi one of seven in U.S. to receive Main Street ‘Refresh’
Main Street Biloxi District was one of seven programs selected from across the United States to serve as demonstration sites for a refreshed approach to comprehensive community revitalization and preservation-based economic development, it was announced Wednesday.
Biloxi, Philadelphia (Penn.), Milledgeville (Ga.), Detroit (Mich.), Gary (Ind.), Lexington (Ky.) and Miami (Fla.) were named by the National Main Street Center to be part of an ambitious program designed to reinvigorate the Main Street model. The program is supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
“This is quite an honor for Main Street Biloxi and our program administrators Kay Miler and Laurie Rosetti,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “It underscores the tremendous job they do on a regular basis, and also reflects well on the volunteers who provide so much support.”
Read the full story
Gilich thanks property owners for front beach work
Vacant properties along the front beach in Biloxi are looking well-kempt and cleaner these days, an improvement that Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says is due to the property owners joining the city’s clean-up initiative.
The city’s Community Development Department identified properties with high grass and overgrown underbrush and alerted property owners to the issues, which are city code violations. Dozens have taken action without the need for code enforcement hearings.
“I want to thank the property owners who have joined in our effort to bring a better look to the waterfront,” Gilich said. “What we are aiming for is a high-quality waterfront experience, and you get that by making sure things are clean and maintained.”
See the Mayor’s clean-up Biloxi video
News and notes
Council meeting: The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday said no to a proposed ordinance that would have legalized more short-term rentals in more areas of the city. To see photos from the meeting, on the city’s Facebook page, click here.
Streets update: To see the latest on the massive infrastructure work underway throughout the city, click here.
