Post Katrina photos and impressions of Biloxi, MS
Biloxi, Mississippi Post Katrina -- May 2007
We really wanted to see what Biloxi/Gulfport, MS looked like almost 2 years after Katrina so we booked a couple nights at the Grand in Biloxi and hit the road. It's a 10 hour ride from our home in Port Charlotte, FL so we decided to take the scenic route with a night spent in Fort Walton Beach, Fl. Fort Walton has changed dramatically since I lived near there some 30 years ago. It is a beautiful beach area with all kinds of shopping, dining, night life, fishing and of course the amazing white, squeaky sand of the Florida panhandle. But that's a whole other story.
We arrived in Biloxi on a Tuesday morning, well ahead of our checkin time of 6 P.M. but to my surprise our rooms were ready and we were able to get unpacked and comfortable. Rooms were cheap ($79/night for 2 people) and very nice. The giant LCD HDTV was great although their selection of channels is limited and they had some internal problems with the hotel menu option that was instantly fixed with a phone call. The view from our 6th floor window was spectacular, even though we did not have a beach facing room. The rooms themsevles are spacious, clean and pleasant. After we got settled in, logged on to the high speed, wireless internet and checked email, we went to check out the casino.
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This is looking west from the 6th floor of the Grand Casino in Biloxi, MS on May 1, 2007 about 11:00 AM The oak trees seem to be growing back quickly although they have obviously been severely pruned by wind and waves. Its hard to see in the photo but under those trees are empty cement slabs that once held beautiful old seaside homes many built in the 1700 and 1800's.
The tallest building in the distance is the Beau Rivage Casino, a nice looking place from outside (I haven't had a chance to visit) and I'm told it is very nice inside. It is open for business. The Hard Rock Casino is the shorter building that appears to be closer to the water, it is actually right next door to the Beau Rivage to its east as you travel route 90. It does not appear to be open yet.
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