The City of Biloxi today rolled out its Mardi Gras traffic plan and safety reminders for the upcoming Neptune and Gulf Coast Carnival Association parades, and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says the plan should be nothing new to longtime paradegoers.
The two-sided card, now available online and soon at local businesses and hotels, reminds paradegoers about road closures during the two parades and also has “common sense” tips for those attending Mardi Gras parades, or any large event.
“Our role is to make sure everyone has a safe time,” Miller said, “and one of the ways to do that is to provide as much information about the events themselves. We want to help visitors, residents and business owners enjoy themselves in our city, in a safe manner.”
Biloxi’s two parades – Neptune on Feb. 10 and Gulf Coast Carnival on Feb. 13 – attract tens of thousands of people to downtown. The city also has smaller parades, such as this weekend’s Children’s Walking Parade or the Secondliners parade on Feb. 10, and a host of other carnival-related activities.
But it’s the two major parades that drive the safety tips and traffic plan.
The Neptune parade is a nighttime parade that begins on Main Street and rolls to Caillavet Street, while the Gulf Coast Carnival procession begins on Main Street and essentially makes a loop of the downtown area.
“In addition to making people aware of the road closures and limiting of travel lanes on U.S. 90, we’re also reminding people of the expected behavior at Mardi Gras,” Miller said. “The bottom line is common courtesy and respect for others. Be careful where you park, don’t drink and drive, and, by all means, obey police officers when you encounter them directing traffic.
“Our biggest issue at Mardi Gras is usually after the parade, especially for Gulf Coast Carnival, when traffic is slow-moving and people want to get home. Traffic is going to be slow-moving, so just be patient.”
See the Mardi Gras safety tips and traffic plan handout
See your guide to Mardi Gras events
News and notes: Ward meeting, police hiring, council preview, State of City
Ward 5 meeting: Councilman Paul Tisdale, whose ward includes parts of West Biloxi, will conduct a ward meeting this evening at 6 p.m. at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center on Pass Road. Tisdale and police leaders will discuss plans for spring break, scheduled for April 13-15. To see Tisdale’s website, click here.
Police employment: The Biloxi Police Department today issued an offer of part-time employment to Mississippi law enforcement agencies whose officers might be interested in working spring break weekend. The positions pay $25 an hour, with meals and lodging provided. To see the qualifications and other information, click here.
Council meeting: The next scheduled meeting of the Biloxi City Council will be Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at Biloxi City Hall. To see the complete lineup of public meetings in Biloxi, click here.
Happening now: Have you see the State of the City cablecast? It continues hourly on Cable One Channel 69 in Biloxi, or desktop or tablet users can see it now by clicking here.
