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Subscribe to City LineOctober 13, 2009
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
We are very grateful that President Obama is visiting New Orleans on Thursday. We understand the struggles that New Orleans has faced with broken levees brought on by years of neglect, and we understand the struggles that New Orleans still faces.
However, we also know that in many ways the recovery of all of the Gulf Coast, specifically South Mississippi, where Katrina actually hit, is far from complete.
The problems that New Orleans faces are problems that are affecting the recovery of the entire Gulf Coast, and we would hope the president looks at the issues facing New Orleans as issues that continue to haunt the entire Katrina recovery region.
It’s no secret that the eye of Katrina rolled ashore in South Mississippi—our communities received a direct hit with high winds and a massive storm surge. So with that, we feel confident the president understands that if New Orleans has yet to recover from its broken levees, then certainly we here at ground zero have not begun to reach the finish line.
The federal government has done a great deal for the Gulf Coast since the summer of 2005, but still, our people are suffering from an insurance calamity that has brought the recovery of this region to a slow crawl.
The skyrocketing cost of homeowners insurance has made it extremely expensive for our people to rebuild their homes and their lives.
Without a doubt, the lack of affordable, multi-perils insurance continues to be the single largest impediment to our recovery.
Our congressional delegation—especially Congressman Gene Taylor—has gone to great lengths to fix the homeowners insurance crisis with multi-perils coverage clauses. But still, despite the fact that more than half of the American population lives on or near a coastline, those good intentions of the Mississippi delegation have, for the most part, been met with resistance.
We are thankful for the president’s visit to New Orleans and we are hopeful he will keep a close watch on our situation here in South Mississippi.
While it is unfortunate that South Mississippi is not listed on President Obama’s itinerary, we must continue to push forward in our Katrina recovery, on the way to once again becoming one of the nation’s most vibrant and thriving communities.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
21st annual Coastal Cleanup is Saturday
The city will place dumpsters at the following locations in each ward for household items only. Hazardous and construction materials will not be accepted:
Ward 1 - 1200 42nd Avenue (Fire Station)
Ward 2 - 1038 East Railroad (Fire Station)
Ward 3 - 15550 MLK Blvd (Fire Station)
Ward 4 - 641 41st Street (Fire Station
Ward 5 - 200 Cowan Road (Fire Station )
Ward 6 - 13000 Three Rivers Road (Fire Station) & 15239 Dedeaux Road (Fire Station )
Ward 7 - 13440 Old Highway 49 (Fire Station)
For more on the weekend clean up, click here.
Gulfport PAL benefit
What: The Alabama Blues Brothers Tribute Show
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7-11:30 p.m.
Where: Courtyard Marriott Beach Coastal Ballroom, U.S. 90
Details: Concert will follow the Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Awards Banquet. Attorney General Jim Hood will present the Mississippi Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. David Elliott from WLOX will be the master of ceremonies.
For more information, email tchenault@gulfportpal.com.
Cruisin’ The Coast
The week-long classic car party is in its 13th year. There are plenty of things to keep you busy this week. For a complete list of events, concerts and more, click here.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
