“It is with sincere appreciation for your continued encouragement and support that I take this opportunity to wish each of you the happiest of holidays and the most prosperous new year. This time of year always brings us closer together and helps us understand the importance of community. Make sure to share your good wishes with others, especially those who are more needful. And try to carry the spirit of the season with you throughout the year to come.
“My wife Serena and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For those of different faiths or beliefs, we send you the same good wishes in the spirit of your celebration. May God bless us all.”
-Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich
Heater to be replaced at Natatorium
Swimmers visiting the Biloxi Natatorium may feel that the water is a bit cooler these days, pending installation of a new heater.
The twelve year old gas heater at the Olympic-size swimming pool on Father Ryan Avenue has essentially wore out and is excepted to be replaced within the next several weeks.
“An inter-pipe has busted and is leaking water though the unit,” Recreation Superintendent Jamie Lee said. “The life of a pool heater is about ten years so it is time for it to be replaced.”
The new heater will cost around $35,000 and once approved by council, will take six to eight weeks to install.
“We are keeping the facility open and are doing all we can to keep the water comfortable for our patrons,” Lee said. “The ground temperature effects the pool temperature which is currently 78 degrees.”
According to the swimming national governing body, USA Swimming, the recommended swimming temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees.
The aquatics staff is reminding patrons that if the cooler water temperature affects them, they may wear a wetsuit or use the swimming pool at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center on Pass Road.
The city council is expected to vote on the heater replacement at the next council meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m.
See more about the Biloxi Natatorium
See more about the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center
Some water bills going out late
Water bills that the city would have mailed to customers today won’t be mailed until Friday or Tuesday, meaning due dates are being pushed back, too.
Those with Jan. 5 due dates will not face late-payment until Jan. 9.
Questions? Email water@biloxi.ms.us or call 228-435-6240.
News and notes
Biloxi Main Street: The director of Biloxi Main Street, Kay Miller, gives an overview of the organization, mentions special holiday gift ideas, and tells everyone how they can be a part of downtown catalyst organization in this weeks “City Desk” podcast. To listen, click here.
Temporary gym closure: The parks and Recreation Department will temporarily close the Mercy Cross gym for floor maintenance on Monday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2017. The gym will re-open for public use on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. To learn more about the Mercy Cross Recreation Center, click here.
Christmas break: Non-emergency municipal offices in Biloxi will be closed on Friday and on Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas.
Council meeting: Due to the holidays, the Biloxi City Council will not meet next week. The council’s next scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Biloxi City Hall.
