10.04.07
Biloxi Mississippi
Nicknamed the Seafood Capital of the World, Biloxi Mississippi has taken some hard knocks of late but is thriving once again. This part of the Gulf of Mexico suffered a great deal of damage when Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005. The city has a reputation for offering some of the best sport fishing on the coast. Anglers come from far and wide during the fishing season to catch Red Drum, King Mackerel, Flounder, Grouper, Snapper and Sharks.
The other main draw to the area is the abundance of casinos. Gambling licenses were issued in the state in the 1990s and many hotel gambling resorts were built, bringing tourists and boosting the local economy around Biloxi Mississippi. When Katrina made its unwelcome visit, it caused 17 hours of hurricane force winds and a 30 foot flood, which reached third floor levels. Several casinos were severely damaged or totally destroyed and some casino barges were pushed inland. Most of the complexes have been re-built and they are open for business once more.
A lot of the casinos were particularly vulnerable because they were constructed on floating barges. This was in order to comply with the regulations of the time that stipulated that gambling establishments must be under marine jurisdiction. These rules no longer apply in Biloxi Mississippi and many casinos were re-built on solid foundations.
The first permanent community in the area was founded in 1699, in what was known as French Louisiana. There are still reminders of this French influence as in the naming of one of the most well known casinos, Beau Rivage, meaning beautiful shore. After being damaged, the resort re-opened on the first anniversary of the hurricane in 2006. It contains restaurants, a terrace café and a hotel that is the tallest building in the state.
Another well known landmark in the city is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This too suffered at the hands of Katrina and re-opened in June 2007. In addition to the hotel and gambling facilities, there is a spa, nightclub and the famous Hard Rock Café. The café contains rock memorabilia, including Elvis Presley’s army uniform and guitars belonging to Johnny Cash, BB King and Kiss. Gamblers can play on slot machines, table games or chance their luck in the poker room. There is also a stage for live performances.
Visitors continue to come to the white beachfront, sampling the seafood restaurants and spinning the roulette wheels. Biloxi Mississippi refused to be a permanent victim and it has risen from the ashes like a phoenix.