WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - Building South Mississippi Together |Katrina Recovery
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A historic, 100-year-old building in Old Town Bay St. Louis has been restored, and the new owners are happy to be part of lifting Bay St. Louis out of the ruins of Katrina.
In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers' failure to properly maintain a navigation channel led to massive flooding by Hurricane Katrina.
Work crews are busy preparing the shelves for the return of more than 80,000 books at the Bay St. Louis Public Library. While the renovation work has been completed, the furniture and other features won't be installed until next month. Library leaders say it will be worth the wait.
Members of First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport are finally moving into their new home this week. The old downtown Gulfport Church was destroyed by Katrina. Meggan Gray takes us to the new church on O'Neal Road, where crews are working to get ready for Sunday services.
Four years after Hurricane Katrina forced them out of Gulfport, shrimpers say they're ready to come home. With that in mind, the Port of Gulfport formed a committee to explore if it could rebuild its commercial small craft harbor in a way that's cost effective and timely.
The Long Beach Board of Aldermen have approved a deal that will allow Rob Stinson to bring back his well known Long Beach Lookout Restaurant to the harbor.
Pass Christian kicked off a $10 million downtown revitalization project with a ground breaking at War Memorial Park on Monday afternoon. The work will include building new streets and sidewalks downtown, along with installing new sewer and water infrastructure. Landscaping and decorative street lighting are also included.
Despite initial controversy, progress is being made on the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor. The contractor said about 20 percent of the post Katrina rebuild is complete, after only four months of work.
Gulfport's Chief of Code Enforcement patrols the streets looking for derelict property. Property owners who don't respond to orders to clean up could end up in new environmental court.
Richard "Dickie" Scruggs involvement in a judicial bribery scandal had nothing to do with a fees dispute involving Hurricane Katrina insurance cases, the Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled.
The only fire station in Long Beach destroyed by Katrina is coming back, with larger bedrooms, a commercial size kitchen, and it's designed to withstand powerful winds and storm surge. On Tuesday, city leaders broke ground on a new fire station. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, the building will serve citizens south of the railroad tracks and be a safe haven for first responders.
George and Lamar counties are receiving millions of federal dollars to build community safe rooms where people can seek temporary shelter from disasters.
Biloxi city leaders met with FEMA Thursday to discuss the progress of hurricane-recovery projects. One discussion focused on plans to replace two Katrina-damaged fishing bridges. Designs for both bridges are finished now. And as Trang Pham-Bui reports, the new concrete structures will give fishermen a nicer and brighter place to cast their lines.
Mickey McElroy is anxious and excited about moving forward with construction of a new restaurant at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor.
Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran says high insurance rates are damaging the city's recovery, and hurting the quality of life for residents. Some folks are even having to choose between paying their insurance or paying for other necessities like medication.
More than four years after Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Hancock County, work is finally underway on a community storm shelter. Wednesday, county leaders gathered in the Kiln to break ground at the Highway 43 shelter site.
A Memphis woman has pleaded guilty to mail fraud for filing fradulent disaster relief applications in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is coming back to Gulfport. Hurricane Katrina forced the event to move to two different locations for the past four years. As Krystal Allan shows us, the news is bringing a lot of excitement to the host city.
One of the largest government buildings in Jackson County will soon undergo a facelift. Supervisors say the Jefferson Street Complex in Moss Point is old and outdated, so the county and the state are working together to pay for the improvements.
Work is underway to expand Pascagoula's sand beach. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the project. Crews plan to dredge and move sand to build a layer of beach to protect the seawall and homes in the area. Patrice Clark joined city leaders for a tour of the new project.
After three years of volunteering, they hoped to leave South Mississippi on a high note. But this week, the volunteers became victims after someone vandalized their property in Biloxi. Krystal Allan spoke with volunteers from ULM Relief about the incident and whether it's changed their opinion of South Mississippi.
A company from Tupelo is in Biloxi this week working to save oak trees damaged by Hurricane Katrina. David Elliott reports on the unique system that uses air pressure to deliver nutrients to the roots.
The Mississippi Development Authority's Rental Restoration program is about to end. Homeowners have until November 16th to apply for grants of up to $70,000 to rehab their homes and then rent them out to low and moderate income families. Doug Walker has the story.
Pearl River Community College is moving forward on rebuilding facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina after four years of "moving in quicksand." Officials settled with Zurich Insurance Co. in August over extensive storm damage incurred on its Poplarville campus and received payment six weeks ago.
Pass Christian city officials broke ground on a new $5 million public safety complex, to replace the one destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Doug Walker was at the ceremony and has more from the Pass.
Moss Point parks are about to make a comeback. The city is working on a new plan to upgrade its parks and recreational facilities damaged by Katrina and suffering from a lack of maintenance. As Patrice Clark reports, Moss Point leaders say it's time to improve the quality of life for citizens.
The wheels of justice will turn a lot faster against people who pollute, vandalize, and neglect their properties in the city of Gulfport. Next Tuesday, the city's newly-created Environmental Court will officially open. As Trang Pham-Bui, the new court will help clean up the city by targeting those who abuse the quality of life in Gulfport.
Merchants in downtown Long Beach are doing what they can to deal with the challenge of construction work on Jeff Davis Avenue. That road project has meant detour signs in the downtown business district, and that's keeping some customers away. But merchants are putting out extra signs and helping spread the word that they're still open, despite the busy roadwork.
St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina's storm surge. Monday, the school took a big step forward in the recovery process by opening a new, multi-million dollar cafeteria.
Area bass fishermen helped release more than 400 nursery raised largemouth into the Pascagoula River on Friday. They were helping with a project that's an ongoing partnership between Mississippi Power Company, Mississippi State University and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The goal is to help replenish the fish stock which was seriously depleted by Hurricane Katrina.
A Morton man was sentenced for identity theft related to Hurricane Katrina fraud.
Work continues on the expansion of the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. The project will more than double the size of the meeting space, expanding to 400,000 square feet. Construciton is well underway on a 450 space parking garage. The total cost of the convention center work is around $108 million.
Lots of folks on the Mississippi coast are dismayed that President Obama will bypass South Mississippi, and only visit New Orleans to talk about hurricane recovery issues. Doug Walker visited Biloxi's Point Cadet where the Katrina recovery is still far from finished.
An early morning rain shower didn't dampen spirits in Pass Christian Wednesday as Walmart officially opened its doors to the public. As Meggan Gray reports, the shoppers were there ready to spend.
Congressman Gene Taylor is taking on President Barack Obama once again for not answering the needs of the Katrina ravaged Mississippi Gulf Coast. Taylor sent a letter to President Obama Monday, criticizing him not including a stop on the Mississippi Gulf Coast when he visits New Orleans Thursday.
Code enforcement in Jackson County and several of its cities is paying off big, according to officials. They've received a low building code effectiveness grade from the state ratings bureau, which could have a big impact on windpool and other insurance rates for people building new homes. Sylvia Hall talks to them about making the grade, and what it means for you.
On Wednesday, Walmart will welcome shoppers back to Pass Christian. But Monday night, store associates, their families and invited guests stopped by to celebrate the reopening of "the store by the shore." Krystal Allan reports.
Dredging work is underway in Graveline Bayou in Gautier. Hurricane Katrina dumped massive amounts of debris into the waterways. Jackson County officials and FEMA are now partnering to fund the huge cleanup project. As Patrice Clark reports, the excess material is being used to help a storm damaged island.
Two years ago, Merchants and Marine Bank rebuilt its hurricane damaged main branch in downtown Pascagoula. That has since led to a business boom in downtown, with 18 new businesses opening in the past 24 months. Doug Walker has the story.
Work is set to begin next week on the new Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum at Beauvoir. David Elliot has details on the project.
A Mississippi Supreme Court decision this week means a Long Beach couple will have their day in court after all. And their attorney said it could have an even wider impact on other homeowners who suffered storm damage from Katrina.
In Mississippi, many homeowners buy insurance to make sure they're covered if catastrophe strikes.
A Biloxi woman has admitted to filing a false claim for assistance from FEMA following Hurricane Katrina. U.S. Attorney Stan Harris said Krystal Williams claimed a house on Oak Street in Biloxi, in which another family lived at the time of Hurricane Katrina. As a result of the false claim, Williams received $24,171.96 in government benefits.
Two coast men were ordered to pay their victims back after pleading guilty to charges of home repair fraud this week.
The Mississippi Supreme Court on Thursday handed down a major victory to homeowners with damage from Hurricane Katrina. In the case Corban v. USAA Insurance, the justices said the burden of proof is on the insurance company to show that all Katrina damage was caused solely by water, and not by wind.
It's a battle that lasted as long as the Civil War itself. Tuesday, after a four year fight to receive funding from FEMA, Beauvoir leaders finally signed a contract to build a new Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum. Work will begin immediately on the $10.4 million project.
Four years after Katrina, 3,800 FEMA trailers remain in a field off I-59 in Purvis. Now FEMA has turned the inventory over to the General Services Administration for a major auction of the units. Some were used and returned, while others were never delivered.
One man's plan to construct a home from two MEMA cottages has not gone over well with neighbors. Biloxi's Community Development department has denied Mark Scherrouse a building permit, but the cottages still sit on the property. Tuesday, the issue goes before the city council. Krystal Allan reports on how it unfolded and why some neighbors say the denied permit needs to stand.
Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Gene Taylor joined military leaders at the Seabee base in Gulfport Monday to dedicate three new buildings. The base hosted a trio of ribbon cuttings to mark the opening of a new fire station, a barracks building and a new fitness center. The projects are part of the $320 million in post-Katrina recovery.
Recovery efforts are continuing along the coast. The United Methodist Disaster Recovery group moved another South Mississippian into a brand new home. Wednesday afternoon, volunteers handed over the certificate of occupancy to Bay St. Louis resident Amy Hille.
A day after Gulfport's mayor sounded the alarm on what he calls "a dangerous surplus of available housing," some housing experts say the numbers can be misleading. In a letter to the governor this week, Mayor George Schloegel said too many developers are wanting to build. Mayor Schloegel said their motivation is getting tax credits, and not fulfilling the market's demands.
The Long Beach School District needs $1.5 million to finish several projects at its new elementary school. But the financially-strapped school district is running out of funding options. Long Beach school leaders are applying for a Katrina Supplemental Community Development Block Grant. They say it's a shot in the dark, because they've never applied for the federal grant before.
A federal jury has rejected a New Orleans family's claims that the government-issued trailer they lived in after Hurricane Katrina was defective and exposed them to dangerous fumes.
Gulfport Mayor George Schloegel says with at least 2,300 homes on the market and even more rental units available, the city needs to re-think tax credit developments.
This Monday, Olive Garden will once again open its doors in Harrison County, more than four years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the popular Italian chain restaurant on the beachfront in Biloxi. The new location is part of the Promenade shopping center in D'Iberville.
Over the past year, several cities throughout the coast experienced a drop in sales taxes. But the city of Long Beach is facing an even greater challenge.
The Harrison County Sand Beach Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers have come up with a strategy to fight erosion. Next month, they will start planting close to a million plants along the 26 miles of sand beach. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, it's being called the largest dune project in the county's history.
The Salvation Army has a new commanding officer in Harrison County. Lieutenant James Dillingham has been on the job now for about three months. Krystal Allan introduces him and reports on a new tool helping the Salvation Army better serve the community in times of disaster.
An Army Corps of Engineers' report is recommending a $1.2 billion coastal restoration plan for Mississippi. William Walker, director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, says this is a significant step in post-Hurricane Katrina efforts to restore barrier islands and do other coastal projects.
The members of St. Paul's Catholic Church who want to see their church rebuilt, say they have won a victory in court. The State Supreme Court has ruled a lower court can hear some of the complaints filed in a lawsuit dealing with money to rebuild the church.
Affordable housing growth in Biloxi has exceeded expectations. Two years ago, the Biloxi Housing Authority set out to increase the number of affordable homes throughout the city, especially in east Biloxi where Hurricane Katrina wiped out entire neighborhoods.
Mark October 14th on your calendar. That's the day the new Walmart store in Pass Christian will open its doors. Walmart managers made that announcement Tuesday morning during a media tour of the huge prototype store. As Trang Pham-Bui shows us, shoppers will be greeted with a modern design, spacious layout, and expanded merchandise.
Biloxi school leaders are considering various options to put the old Fernwood school property to good use. An engineering firm has come up with its proposed master plan for the property at Pass and DeBuys roads in West Biloxi. The property has been sitting vacant since the Alternative School moved out in May. As Trang Pham-Bui shows us, the plan involves a mix of residential and commercial development.
Moss Point leaders say some Katrina damaged buildings still have some life left in them and could be repaired to get city employees out of cramped and dangerous trailers. The Moss Point Board of Alderman likes the idea, but as Patrice Clark reports, engineers and FEMA have to get on board.
Two Bay St. Louis women bought the remains of a 116-year-old home destroyed by Katrina and brought it back to life, while also preserving the structure's historical value.
The state port of Gulfport is marking a milestone with the completion of $50 million in storm repairs and improvements to the west pier berthing areas. The work has allowed prominent port customer, Chiquita, will be able to return to its original space. Work on berths one and two is finished, while construction of berth three continues.
Dr. Em Van Do is a Vietnamese doctor who's dedicating his life to better his community. On his free days, Dr. Do treats patients who often skip doctor's appointments because the physicians don't speak the right language. Brad Kessie reports on his visit to the Bethel Free Clinic in Biloxi.
The Mississippi Development Authority has been holding a series of workshops this week to announce and explain its latest housing assistance program. The neighborhood rental restoration project offers forgivable loans of $50,000 to $70,000 for owners of rental homes to repair and rehab those properties in exchange for renting them to low income tenants.
It's 7:30 on the last Monday night in August. I'm sitting in a restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue in New York City's Upper West Side. And I'm about to meet an angel. His name is John Chargar.
When three MEMA cottages showed up on County Farm Road, Angel Middleton was skeptical. When she found out they were about to be burned, she called WLOX and asked the news department to look into the situation.
D'Iberville leaders say their strategy to spurring economic development downtown is to "go green." The city council awarded a $963,000 bid Tuesday afternoon for a new town green and visitors center. Officials say what's going on at the two acre site is just the beginning of what they envision.
A new apartment complex in Biloxi will help meet what's described as a desperate need for affordable senior citizen housing. The Bellemont Gardens on Motsie Road includes 60 two bedroom, two bath apartment homes. Prospective tenants must be over age 55 and meet income requirements. The developer relied on tax credit incentives to make the rents affordable.
A Diamondhead homeowner hoped to reduce her premium on a Mississippi Wind Pool insurance policy by meeting tougher guidelines. Action Reporter AJ Giardina shows us why she now says the process through the state run mitigation program isn't worth the time or money.
Construction is underway on a state-of-the-art fire station in Moss Point. Monday, city officials broke ground on the facility. Patrice Clark reports on how the new $2 million station will help better serve the community.
HUD needs to push Mississippi to do more to respond to the post-Katrina need for affordable, permanent housing. That's among the findings in an 18 page report released by the Steps Coalition. The report says Mississippi is lagging behind Louisiana when it comes to spending disaster funds to meet housing needs.
FEMA and MEMA workers on the coast collected more than 7,000 pounds of food over the summer. Monday morning, they delivered more than half of it to the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Biloxi.
USM History Professor Dr. Pat Smith is writing a book about Katrina's impact on people and communities around South Mississippi. Smith wants to make sure Mississippi's story is told.
As South Mississippians wrap up a weekend of commemoration ceremonies for the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one Bay St. Louis church is celebrating a visible sign of recovery. Elise Roberts has more on this symbol of hope.
Some Ocean Springs residents could see deeper discounts on insurance. The discount will come following the city's latest grade from the state wind pool task force. Krystal Allan talked with the mayor to find out just how much people could save.
The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Development came to South Mississippi on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan spent the day traveling from Waveland to Biloxi. Donovan held a news conference Friday afternoon in East Biloxi. Krystal Allan reports on the announcement the Secretary made that could help get more people into homes.
Biloxi celebrated a triple crown of post-Katrina milestones Friday morning. One day before the fourth anniversary of the devastating storm, the city hosted two ground breakings and a ribbon cutting. Mayor A.J. Holloway broke ground for the new lighthouse visitors center and the Howard Avenue community center and library. He also cut the ribbon on the newly rebuilt Howard Avenue.
More than a hundred people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds gathered at the Church of the Redeemer property in Biloxi for a memorial service Friday. They prayed, they sang and they remembered. Although their differences may be many, they were brought together by the common bond of a storm experience.
A four-year study released Thursday pointed to flaws in the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. One researcher said the lack of cooperation among government agencies left many communities still struggling to recover. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, the study also calls for changing federal laws to help communities bounce back faster from future disasters.
Two very different reports were released Friday on the state of Katrina recovery in Mississippi. Gov. Barbour's annual progress report says the public and private efforts to rebuild housing stock are meeting most of the need. But a report from The STEPS Coalition says Mississippi stands to lose a unique opportunity to recover from our state's greatest housing disaster.
It is the largest Habitat for Humanity project in Hancock County. On Friday, more than 100 people gathered to break ground on a new Habitat neighborhood in Bay St. Louis. The ceremony, held on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Katrina, was significant for the devastated community. Trang Pham-Bui tells us how the homes bring hope to low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
In the days after Hurricane Katrina, a number of viewers stopped by our studios with pictures they found in the debris. One unclaimed photo album in particular, a wedding album from the 70s, sparked our interest. We've scanned a few of the pictures hoping someone might recognize the bride and groom.
Hundreds of Jackson County employees now have a better idea of where they'll be working in the future. Thursday, the county unveiled plans for the new Jackson County Services Complex. The multi-million dollar facility is quite different from the modular units employees have worked in since Hurricane Katrina.
This reporter will never forget a certain drive down Howard Avenue in East Biloxi. It was taken less than 48 hours after Hurricane Katrina. It resulted in a nine minute story that became the single piece I've received the most comments on during my nearly 18 years at WLOX-TV. I re-traced that drive recently, four years after the storm. It ended with a walk through the Church of the Redeemer property, demolished by the storm.
Ocean Springs is moving forward with its efforts to make Front Beach more visitor friendly. Mayor Connie Moran said the city opened bids on Thursday for a concrete boardwalk that will run from the bridge to the harbor. The master plan to improve Front Beach also includes the return of Fort Maurepas, but it's not the same Fort Maurepas that people remember.
What would the people of south Mississippi have done the last four years without its volunteers. People have come from all over the world to help us rebuild our homes, our businesses, and our lives. On Thursday, Brad Kessie talked with a volunteer group from Kansas about its never ending commitment to south Mississippi's recovery.
The future of Gulfport's Jones Park became clearer Thursday morning when city leaders broke ground on the first phase of a three phased project to restore the waterfront park.
The expansion project continues at the Biloxi VA campus. Six different projects are underway, with six different contractors. The improvement plans include a new mental health facility, blind rehab unit, an addition to the clinic and a new parking garage. More than 200 construction workers are currently involved with the expansion, with more to follow.
If you want to see a symbol of recovery in Old Town Bay St. Louis, just head over to the Main Street United Methodist Church, and look up.
A group of Florida developers want to take a more hands-on approach to get people into affordable homes. TSA Group LLC. just moved into its Gulfport location three months ago, but it already plans to break ground on developments in Long Beach and Gulfport next month. Krystal Allan went by the group's office to see how its plans will take shape.
Dilapidated properties in Moss Point have the attention of city leaders, but they concede ending the problem won't be easy. It's been four years since Hurricane Katrina hit, and leaders say there are still too many places rundown or in ruins. Patrice Clark has more from Moss Point.
Hurricane Katrina's wind and water devastated the Chipley community in Pascagoula. About four years later, the storm's scars are still visible in the small community. Patrice Clark finds out what's being done to speed up post-Katrina progress.
Three MEMA cottages destined for the scrap heap will instead be burned down. Brad Kessie reports on Harrison County's plan to use the drug infested cottages as a training tool for its volunteer firefighters.
Ocean Springs is writing grants to buy up property around the city. The first acquisition, a plot of land by the harbor, is almost complete. Sylvia Hall talks to city and county officials about their plans for the land.
Ocean Springs debuted a new documentary exploring the rebuilding of South Mississippi's cultural landmarks. Krystal Allan was there and brings us a sneak peak of the new film.
The Gulfport City Council on Tuesday approved phase one of a three phase project to upgrade Jones Park. The work will begin in about two weeks, and will include a children's splash pad, a playground and green space.
Residents of the 2nd Street community learned more Monday night about a proposed housing development. Gulfport School leaders and consultants met with people to discuss possibilities for the old East Ward Elementary School property.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Historian Dr. Charles Sullivan has written a book that tells the story of hurricanes on the coast dating back to the early 18th century.
Work is underway on the restoration of the historic Biloxi lighthouse. The storm damaged structure will be re-painted and the missing bricks inside the tower will be replaced. The work is expected to be finished by the end of this year. The nearly half million dollar project is being paid for with FEMA funding.
Mississippi's efforts to build the "port of the future" in Gulfport got a financial boost Monday from FEMA. U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker announced that FEMA has given final approval for $3.1 million to support continued restoration of Mississippi State Port Authority facilities at the Port of Gulfport.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is well into spending the $32 million raised for its Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund Project. The money came, in part, by way of private donors, some of them big names like country singer Faith Hill and former Presidents Bush and Clinton. Krystal Allan has an update on where the money has gone and what projects are still in the pipeline.
A Hancock County relief organization that has been serving the community since three days after Katrina is expanding. The Christian Life Center on Waveland Avenue is moving its popular thrift store to Highway 90. The store opened to raise money to host volunteers and buy building materials to re-hab homes. As Al Showers reports, the mission of the new store will be the same but will offer many extras.
Since Hurricane Katrina, millions upon millions of dollars have been spent rebuilding a massive amount of coast infrastructure. It's work that some local officials say they don't want to see undermined by people who choose not to call before they dig.
The federal government on Wednesday awarded contracts for construction of new health care facilities in Biloxi. The $153.7 million in contracts cover about half the cost of expanding services and building new facilities at the VA in Biloxi.
This fall will be a busy construction time for the Harrison County Library System. Work should be underway on four new libraries, including a new headquarters library in the Orange Grove area off Old Highway 49. Currently, the Pass Christian library is the only new facility under construction. Work should begin soon on a new Biloxi library and two libraries in Gulfport.
What to do with the former Veterans Administration property and Clower-Thornton Park was the subject of a Gulfport community meeting Monday evening. "Regardless of what's done with it, we want to make sure it stays the people's property," Mayor George Schloegel promised.
The two sisters dubbed the "whistle blowers" against State Farm Insurance received a victory of sorts Monday in court. Federal Judge L.T. Senter ruled that Cori and Kerri Rigsby's case against the insurance giant can proceed.
Four years after Hurricane Katrina, hazardous, polluted swimming pools continue to plague the city of Long Beach. So this month, Long Beach city leaders are taking steps to get more than two dozen abandoned pools restored or filled-in. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, the city is sending out letters and placing notices in the newspaper, ordering the property owners to do something about their derelict pools or the city will have to do it.
It's a push from the private sector to get downtown Pass Christian back on the map. A group of downtown land owners has hired an internationally-known architect to help plan a new way to move forward for downtown. Krystal Allan has more on who's coming and what the group hopes to bring to downtown Pass Christian.
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says no to a rate increase from State Farm. Krystal Allan has more from both sides and what could be next for homeowners.
A new report from the Mississippi Forestry Commission shows forest land in the state is flourishing. The 2006 Forest Inventory finds tree volume has increased by 25 percent since the last report was compiled back in 1994. That, despite significant timber storm damage caused by Hurricane Katrina four years ago.
A mixed use development in Ocean Springs opened its doors six months ago and is seeing mixed results in terms of interest and sales.
Almost four years after Katrina, a bigger and better health department is coming to Jackson County. Wednesday's foundation pouring ceremony marked the start of construction to replace the 50-year-old building Katrina clobbered. Since then, health department employees worked out of trailers to serve residents. Patrice Clark has more on the new build.
George Schloegel has drawn a line in the sand. He's giving downtown Gulfport property owners until August 14th to show him how they'll clean their derelict or neglected lots. Otherwise, the mayor says, the city will do the cleaning for them. Brad Kessie reports on Schloegel's efforts to put Katrina in Gulfport's rear view mirror.
After years in disrepair, the historic Round Island Lighthouse is set to be restored. The beacon that once directed ship captains to the mouth of the Pascagoula River will soon welcome drivers into the city. Sylvia Hall explains the plans.
Harrison County supervisors voted Monday to solicit plans for a future use of the old Gulfport library. The storm damaged building has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina.
It has been nearly four years since Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast. And as many people continue their efforts to recover, the stress of the disaster may be causing health problems they're not aware of.
Wal-Mart is in the process of hiring 300 new associates for its Pass Christian store. That's a bright spot for a city still struggling after Katrina, and for people looking for work in a down economy. Meggan Gray went to the store's hiring center to see how many people have turned out so far.
High school students in Long Beach and Pass Christian won't be able to participate in a popular vocational program this year. The 17-year-old program is shutting down and school leaders blame it on Katrina. As Trang Pham-Bui tells us, superintendents are scrambling to find other courses for vo-tech students to take.
A $7.7 million renovation and expansion project just wrapped up on one of Hancock County's best known historic landmarks. The Hancock County Courthouse will officially open to the public this Monday. The building has been closed since Hurricane Katrina put it out of commission nearly four years ago. Al Showers gives us a tour of the completed project.
The troubles caused by toxic FEMA trailers took too long to respond to. That's the finding in a report just issued by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. The 79 page report chides FEMA for not displaying a degree of urgency in reacting to reported formaldehyde problems. Brad Kessie reports.
One cost cutting measure in Gulfport may be consolidating fire stations. Instead of rebuilding the hurricane battered Cowan Road fire station, Gulfport Mayor George Schloegel said the council should consider a plan to move those trucks to the VA property.
One Biloxi councilman is continuing his efforts to improve a once crime ridden South Mississippi Park. Bill Stallworth wants to add new amenities to John Henry Beck Park, and he's calling on the city of Biloxi to help.
Haley Barbour believes the nation's governors who came to Biloxi this weekend have a much better understanding of south Mississippi's post Katrina recovery. During Monday's closing session, the governors who were left listened to a presentation about energy issues. They discussed potential economic solutions. They launched an initiative to have states develop a prescription for healthcare reform. Brad Kessie reports.
This week Gulfport's city council will decide whether or not to allow another affordable housing community in ward 6. Holliman Place would feature more than 100 single family homes. But residents of the area say it's 100 homes too many.
Four years after Katrina, Pascagoula's Beach Boulevard is still in the dark. There is finally some movement in the plans to relight the busy strip, but some residents say they expected to see movement a long time ago. Sylvia Hall explains what's being done to speed the project along.
Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano spoke at the National Governor's Conference in Biloxi Sunday to a small group of reporters about the importance of being prepared for a disaster.
Insurance commissioners from several coastal states came to Biloxi this week, to talk about some of the common problems they face, the next time a major catastrophe strikes. Jeff Lawson has the story.
Habitat for Humanity dedicated 22 homes in one of its largest dedication ceremonies to date in South Mississippi. Krystal Allan reports.
Those sinking shrimp boats in Gulfport's industrial canal may finally be moving soon. The Department of Marine Resources filed court papers Thursday asking for permission to untie the derelict vessels and remove them from the canal.
If south Mississippians build higher, drier and safer, insurance costs may come down. That's one of the messages coming out of a two day insurance forum at the IP. The other message came from Mississippi Congressman Gene Taylor. Brad Kessie reports on what Taylor said Friday about his solution to the insurance crisis.
Mike Chaney is hosting what he calls an open discussion about how to solve Mississippi's insurance woes. The state insurance commissioner has brought a variety of experts to Biloxi, hoping their insights can dig Mississippi property owners out of a pretty big hole. Brad Kessie has the story.
The Salvation Army office in Hancock County has shut its doors. Officials with the agency which has helped thousands of South Mississippi Katrina victims say it may not be able to help after future storms.
One of the largest federal buy-outs in more than 40 years is about to take place in Hancock County. The government is trying to help people get out of flood zones by using a $10 million grant to purchase as many homes as possible in low lying areas.
Porteaux Bay neighbors want to feel comfortable in their homes again. Many of them have rebuilt their hurricane damaged properties. Now, they want somebody to tell derelict property owners in west Jackson County to clean up their mess. Brad Kessie reports.
The former Penthouse condominiums in Pass Christian are rising once again. The beach front complex was destroyed first by Hurricane Camille in 1969, then Katrina four years ago. Now, the rebuilt units feature modular construction. The condominiums are built in a factory, then assembled on site. Mayor Chipper McDermott said he's pleased to welcome the 82 new units that make up the development at 1515 East Beach.
Look closely, and you can find a little something different about every coastal neighborhood's post-Katrina recovery. Residents in Jackson County's St. Andrews community say it is being rebuilt stronger than ever. Sylvia Hall talked with a few long-time home owners who described the evolution.
Coast Electric is building back bigger, safer, and more energy-efficient. On Monday, the company celebrated the start of construction on its new corporate headquarters in Hancock County. Coast Electric had long outgrown its main complex in Bay St. Louis. Then Katrina came along and flooded just about every building on the property. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, the company decided to move its headquarters to a more central location.
Mississippi' attorney general announced Friday that an Oklahoma man, who A.J. Giardina investigated in a 2007 WLOX Action Report, has pleaded guilty to home repair fraud charges.
The Port of Gulfport's west pier was the site for the kickoff of a $1.6 billion expansion project. Leaders with the Mississippi State Port Authority say the expansion is poised to make Gulfport the premier port of the Gulf Coast. Krystal Allan takes us to the "ground making" ceremony.
The Palace Casino is about to undergo what's been called the largest casino expansion in south Mississippi since Katrina. Once the new area is built, the Palace will have 38,000 square feet for gamblers. Casino managers will place 1,000 slot machines around the property and 26 table games. A poker room and a high limit salon will also be added.
Some teenage volunteers are doing work all across the country to help rebuild communities. This week, South Mississippi was on their list of stops. Michael Slother went to Gulfport to catch the group in action.
Two months after it kicked off, the program "My Home, My Coast" already has happy homeowners moving. The program offers down payment and closing costs assistance to people looking to own a home. Krystal Allan reports.
Brent Warr never expected he'd watch somebody else take the oath of office Thursday outside Gulfport City Hall. Then again, he never expected a storm like Katrina would become the defining moment of his one term as mayor. Brad Kessie sat down with the outgoing mayor and discussed the highs and lows of his four years at city hall.
Through the years, what has made Pass Christian's Scenic Drive so scenic is the large number of historic houses that line the street. According to the Pass Christian Historical Society, Katrina destroyed about 60 percent of the historic homes along Highway 90, and many others received major damage. Now some homeowners are deciding to write a new chapter in the history of Scenic Drive.
Nearly four years after it was washed away by Katrina, The Chimneys is coming back to Gulfport's beachfront. Construction crews are busy building the new restaurant which will sit 27 feet above sea level.
The Biloxi Housing Authority's ambitious plan to create more senior housing has hit a snag. Property it owns near Highway 90 and Brady Drive is in FEMA's velocity zone. Consequently, the housing authority can't rebuild the apartments Katrina destroyed. Brad Kessie looks at what that means for affordable senior housing options in Biloxi.
A sudden change of plans took dozens of Illinois high school students somewhere they say they never expected to be - South Mississippi. Every summer, First Presbyterian of Arlington Heights takes its youth group on a mission trip south of the border. However, this year church officials canceled the trip because of escalating violence in Mexico. So this past week, the teen volunteers spent their time rebuilding houses in Pearlington.
Although volunteers continue to come to South Mississippi, their numbers are dropping. But an Ocean Springs Ministry, Camp Victor, is still working hard to get South Mississippians back under permanent roofs. Sylvia Hall explains to us the daunting challenges Camp Victor faces and why they're asking the community for help.
Some Coast homeowners who rely on the state wind pool for insurance coverage may soon see a dramatic drop in their premiums. That's because of the changes the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association is making starting July 1st.
Biloxi homeowners south of Interstate 10 who get their insurance through the state windpool may qualify for up to a 20 percent credit on their wind insurance premiums, thanks to policy changes and the city's efforts in enforcing building codes.
An Escatawpa church needs a new place to worship. Hurricane Katrina pushed ten feet of water into Greater First Baptist Church. Because of a lack of insurance, the church is still in ruins. As Patrice Clark reports, church members are asking South Mississippians to help them rebuild.
One Pascagoula man who lost his home in Katrina is rebuilding with rock solid construction. He's confident his new beachfront home will stand strong against future storms. Patrice Clark shows us why he's given up on building his house with sticks and bricks.
USM reaserchers conducted more than 400 interviews with Katrina suvivors. The very personal stories are on a new CD.
Biloxi has received a $280,000 bid to rebuild the Coliseum Pier. If it's approved by the city council on Tuesday, one of the city's waterfront attractions will get a post Katrina facelift. As Brad Kessie reports, city leaders say the Coliseum Pier restoration work will begin the next phase of Biloxi's $30 million reinvestment on the waterfront.
A long time champion for affordable housing is about to take the leap into becoming a housing developer. Back Bay Mission officials say, for the first time in its 80 year history, the non-profit is involved in a partnership to build houses and duplexes.
More than $13 million in federal grants will be coming to Mississippi to help coastal communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Pass Christian, Long Beach, D'Iberville and Bay St. Louis will use the money for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure projects.
Two landmark projects in Gulfport are beginning to take shape. The replica of Grass Lawn is expected to be finished in the next 45 days. The antebellum home off the water is being built according to the 1836 blueprints. Workers are also busy building the replica Courthouse building on Courthouse Road. That project should be finished by late this year.
The Corps of Engineers wants to reinforce the Turkey Creek levee in north Gulfport. The plan it presented to Congress adds another five feet to the height of a dirt levee that circles the Forest Heights community. As Brad Kessie reports, Gulfport is already rebuilding the levee to keep Turkey Creek flood waters away from homes.
Construction is set to begin on Jackson County's first combined hurricane shelter and community center. MEMA's director joined with county supervisors to break ground on the $1.5 million project Wednesday. As Patrice Clark reports, the Highway 57 facility will be strong and sturdy to help keep citizens and first responders safe.
Visiting teenagers from across Mississippi are busy doing good deeds in Long Beach this week. They're part of a summer mission camp at First United Methodist Church. It's called MOSAIC, which stands for "Making our souls alive in Christ." The teens are doing a variety of work projects this week at 20 different homes in the community.
Two people have been ordered to repay ten of thousands of dollars in Katrina aid they falsely received. Clinton Bourgeois of Biloxi and Long Beach will serve 18 months in federal prison for filing a false claim for FEMA disaster assistance.
Howard Avenue is one of Biloxi's richest architectural neighborhoods. For almost a year, it's been getting a facelift. In the process, old trolley tracks that once ran along Howard Avenue in east Biloxi have been dug up. They're being replaced by new sidewalks, brick crosswalks, and underground power lines. Brad Kessie reports.
State Farm will begin writing new homeowners' policies in most of Mississippi, but not the three coastal counties. Customers in Pearl River, Stone and George counties who lost their wind coverage after Katrina, can now get back in with the insurer.
Even before Hurricane Katrina, many neighbors in west Gulfport said they felt abandoned by the city. That changed Friday when the city celebrated the opening of the new West Side Community Center. As Trang Pham-Bui reports, the $1.7 million building has become a symbol of resiliency, cooperation, and pride for Gulfport.
Biloxi's community development director believes people have had long enough to rebuild their homes. So next week, Jerry Creel will present a resolution to the Biloxi City Council that ends the city's temporary exception for emergency housing. Brad Kessie reports.
A $16.7 million affordable housing development is one of several projects meant to change the way people think about the Region Eight Housing Authority. The recently completed Regency Way Apartments sit on the old Camelot public housing site on 28th Street in Gulfport.
A discrimination lawsuit filed against the city of Waveland over MEMA cottages is over. The settlement means that people living in MEMA cottages can keep the units on private property, as long as they meet proper elevation and other zoning requirements. The Mississippi Center For Justice filed the lawsuit on behalf of several Waveland residents who wanted to make their temporary cottages their permanent homes. Al Showers reports.
There are a handful of times in a person's life when you get to do something that impacts a community for generations to come. If you're a member of the building committee at your church - or in my case, my synagogue - you have that opportunity.
For many people, owning a home is one of the most important goals and challenges of a lifetime. And thanks to the Regional Employer Assisted Collaboration for Housing, better known as the REACH program, government workers in South Mississippi are getting that chance. Sylvia Hall talks to a new Ocean Springs homeowner about how the program is changing his life.
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