#71 Feb 2015 Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi

Who remembers how to spell MISSISSIPPI? That rhyme was going through my head for days.

Gulfport and Biloxi are side by side on the Gulf of Mexico with incredibly white beaches.

All along the Gulf Coast many buildings are on stilts.

The marinas are full and waiting for warm weather and March spring break. The hordes are coming.

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast of the US. The media coverage was most dramatic in New Orleans because of the loss of life due to the catastrophic failure of the levee system. Other coastal cities received less attention and assistance but more property damage.

As in New Orleans most of the damage has been demolished or repaired. The tourist information centre in Biloxi is a beautiful southern mansion but is only three years old. The original building was completely destroyed by the Hurricane but has been meticulously recreated from photos and local recollections.

This lighthouse has stood tall for over 160 years of hurricanes. Now it's in the middle of a highway and still sends its beacon out to the Gulf of Mexico.

There was a great deal of criticism about the response from various government agencies at the time of the crisis. Many new laws have been implemented and hopefully coastal communities will be better prepared when, not if, another hurricane strikes.

As we drove along Highway 90 in Gulfport and Biloxi we admired the white sand beach and the inviting water. Initially we did not pay attention to the other side of the road because there is very little to notice. After visiting the information centre we realized why. The beautiful beachfront homes were destroyed or severely damaged by Katrina.

Now beautiful old trees have recovered but no buildings surround them.

New building codes discourage rebuilding on the waterfront and insurance coverage is not available. For sales signs dot the streets.

For Rent? Only the foundations remain.

No buildings attract customers to this parking lot.

The citizens of Biloxi and Gulfport have survived and recovered from many storms and Hurricane Katrina’s damage is no exception. Biloxi is a gambling destination and the tourists are back for the entertainment and beaches.

Ralph and I are not water people. We enjoy being near and on the water but not in it, however, we had to put our feet into the Gulf of Mexico while we were there.

The sand really is as white as this photo.