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Subscribe to City LineJuly 2, 2010
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
This weekend we will celebrate that historic summer in Philadelphia when a 33-year-old Virginia planter authored the founding document of a nation, declaring that all men are created equal and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
As we celebrate America’s independence on Sunday, maybe you'll cook out, throw some horseshoes or simply enjoy a youngster’s amazement at fireworks. Hopefully, you'll give yourself a brief respite from things like oil spills and hurricanes.
But there will likely be a moment when the grill has cooled and the horseshoes fall still that you allow yourself to marvel at the magnitude of the American accomplishment.
This year our nation turns 234 years old, and that same spirit of 1776 is alive and well today. The only difference is that while the thirst for liberty, back then, was shared by a small band of patriots, today it is echoed by an entire nation.
The spirit of 1776 is a call to service that has been answered by generations of soldiers and sailors; airmen and Marines; mothers and fathers; police and firefighters, neighborhood volunteers and community activists.
When the holiday weekend is over, your community will again need your service. If our Gulf is to recover from the most devastating environmental disaster in our history, it will take a collective effort from all of us.
It is up to you to discover what your role in this effort will be, but we are asking you, America is asking you, to discover it and act on it, and in whatever way you decide to help, know that your community will be forever grateful.
The Gulf will survive this challenge because of a basic doctrine that has allowed our nation to survive two centuries of challenges: America depends not only on the consent of the governed, but on the service of its people.
We pray that you enjoy a safe and happy holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
BP seeks help from more boats
BP’s Vessels of Opportunity Program is seeking additional vessels and will hold an induction and training session Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gulfport for boat owners not already registered in the program.
The training session will be in the Fine Arts Auditorium of the Jefferson Davis campus of Gulf Coast Community College, at the north end of DeBuys Road.
Interested individuals must register before attending the session by calling 1-866-279-7983.
To qualify, each applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Vessel 50 feet in length or larger
- Commercial Vessels ONLY
- Steel Hull Shrimper-style Vessel with Outriggers, Doors and Nets
- Endurance for up to 7 days offshore
- Willing to work 20-plus miles offshore
- Registered in Alabama, Mississippi, or Florida
Participants in the program will assist in the Deepwater Horizon response by manning boats in a variety of activities, including transporting supplies, assisting with wildlife rescue, as well as towing and deploying absorbent booms. The training covers such areas as oil spill response safety, boom towing and handling, and vessel coordination. Eligible vessels will be compensated for their assistance.
Individuals who are already registered in the Vessel of Opportunity program and contracted with BP should not attend. This meeting is for new applicants only. There is room for only 120 attendees at each training session, and a vessel’s entire crew must be trained. Anyone who has not preregistered will not be allowed to attend.
Fire in the Sky, and other fireworks
July 4
Flanked by fireworks shows in nearby Biloxi and Ocean Springs, the City of Gulfport's annual Fire in the Sky fireworks show will begin at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday.
Biloxi’s show starts at 9 p.m. and Ocean Springs gets going at 8:40 p.m. There are a few changes in Gulfport this year. For details, click here.
More to do...
For more exciting events along the Coast this weekend, including performances by Little Big Town and the Molly Ringwalds, along with the annual Clermont Harbor July 4th parade and the Pascagoula Audubon Center’s Sunset River Cruise, 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
