Biloxi’s seven ward lines will be redrawn to incorporate the annexations of 2013 and 2014, meaning some residents may find themselves in new wards and voting at a different polling place when municipal elections take place in May 2017.
A public hearing to consider three proposed maps will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., at Biloxi City Hall, and the City Council will choose which map will be used.
The new maps add about 200 residents who live in the northern areas of the city, who became Biloxi residents in either 2013 or 2014. The maps include about 4,600 Keesler-affiliated personnel..
For this remapping, the city hired Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District to draw the proposed ward lines using population numbers from the 2010 Census, which today says Biloxi has 44,253 residents.
“When you are creating wards or districts,” said Emma Strong of the district, “you should strive to have no more than a 10 percent variance in population from the largest to the smallest wards.”
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which guides redistricting, also suggests a minority-majority ward, which has been the Ward 2 area of Biloxi.
Said Strong of the three maps: “Each plan presented represents different options all with the goal of having each ward as equal as possible in regards to total population. Some of the changes are minor while others are more significant, though each plan has the same goal.”
Existing ward map
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
See City Council agenda
Thanksgiving feast for special needs this weekend
The city’s Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Special Needs and Family Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families are invited to enjoy a meal filled with all the trimmings. Among the items to be served are fried and baked turkey, turkey dressing, green beans and mash potatoes with cranberry sauce.
“This is a nice way for families to get together, give thanks and have fun,” Parks & Recreation Director Cheryl Bell said.
Door prizes, a D.J. and carnival-type games also will be part of the festivities. The free event is co-sponsored by Oran Caravan No. 67, the international Order of Alambra and the Asgard Motorcycle Club.
See the flyer
Also this weekend: Carrot Top and plenty of music
Carrot Top will bring his unique style of humor to the Beau Rivage, Rodney Atkins will belt out country songs at the Hard Rock, and legendary Travis Tritt and The Doobie Brothers perform in separate concerts at the IP.
See a complete line up of events
News and notes
Holiday events: Your guide to the Christmas holiday happenings in Biloxi is now online. Posted on the home page of the city website, the list will continuously keep you updated on the holiday events. Visit the listing now by clicking here.
Podcasting: In this week’s City Desk podcast, Fire Chief Joe Boney discusses the advancements in the new helmets being ordered for firefighters and the benefits of the city having two new fire stations north of the Bay. To listen to the program, taped Thursday at City Hall, click here.
Traffic advisory: Multiple paving projects are underway throughout the city. See a complete list, posted on the traffic page of the city website, by clicking here.
Drive cautiously: Back Bay Boulevard has been paved and opened to traffic, offering an alternate route between I-110 and Point Cadet. However, construction workers are landscaping in center and roadside medians, prompting intermittent lane closures and lane shifts. Motorists should use caution and adhere to the 15 mph speed limit.
Popp’s Ferry bridge work: The Popp’s Ferry bridge will have intermittent lane closings at the span Saturday 6:30 until 11 a.m. while workers make minor repairs to the steel grate. Motorists should use caution in the area.
