 |
Subscribe to City LineJanuary 8, 2010
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
Later this year, we will gather to mark the 5th anniversary of the day in history when Hurricane Katrina struck our shores.
As we begin this New Year, we should do so with the resolution that we will do everything within our means to see to it every trace of evidence, all the visible scars and obvious reminders of that terrible day, are completely removed before Aug. 29, 2010, arrives.
Every day you will see a strong effort from your city leaders to finally put Katrina behind us. August will mark the 5-year anniversary of the storm and it certainly is time all of us finish healing those wounds.
In the years since the storm, Gulfport has undergone a great renaissance. Thousands of homes have been rebuilt. New businesses have joined us and old ones have grown larger.
Our infrastructure has been strengthened and our recreational areas enhanced. Our schools are of high quality and our streets safer than they’ve been in decades. Gulfport’s recovery is evident on every street corner and in every neighborhood.
However, numerous properties have fallen through the cracks. Many structures have been left barely standing, presenting health and safety risks to our city. Many lots and buildings remain vacant.
Our new Environmental Court will be at the forefront of this initiative, leading the charge to rid Gulfport of those abandoned and unsafe buildings, to remove the blue tarps and temporary fencing, to clean overgrown lots and to help give new life to some parts of our city.
Using Katrina as an excuse for unclean property nearly five years later is simply unacceptable.
In addition, we expect to make policy decisions throughout the year that will help move this effort along, continually exploring new ways to speed the recovery and reach our goals.
So today, let us pledge to work together in the coming months to complete this great rebirth of Gulfport and to make 2010 the best year yet.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
Tee-ball and softball registration starts Saturday
The Gulf Coast Girls Softball Association will hold registration for tee-ball, coach pitch and fast-pitch girls softball beginning Saturday.
Registration will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., January 9, 16, 23 and 30, and again on February 6, at Academy Sports, Crossroads Mall.
Players also can register online at gulfcoastsoftball.net.
Tryouts will be held February 13 at the Prudi Circle Fields from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration fee is $25 per child. For more information call 697-6905.
Tree planting
Who: City of Gulfport and the Island View Casino Resort.
What: Two 18-foot live oaks.
Where: Preservation Oaks Park, on the beach in Gulfport, just east of the Port.
When: Monday at 1 p.m.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
