BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - Hurricane Katrina permanently changed the face of Biloxi. East Biloxi specifically did not see many people or homes return. Prior to Katrina, Biloxi was booming, with the gaming industry bringing a lot of people to town. Its population was 50,644 and growing.
But, that all changed on August 29, 2005h when Katrina damaged and destroyed so many homes and businesses. Five years after the storm, it is estimated that Biloxi only has 38,865 people, which means almost 11,000 people did not return after Katrina.
But you have to take into account the damage and destruction. 4,773 homes in Biloxi were either total losses, or more than 50 percent damaged. And, thus far, only 741 permits have been issued to rebuild. And of the 718 businesses Katrina destroyed or damaged, only a little more than half have been rebuilt and reopened in their original locations. Plus, almost every public facility sustained some kind of damage.
In the immediate days, weeks and months after the storm $70 million in FEMA funds went toward removing nearly three million cubic yards of debris in Biloxi. That's enough to cover a football field and stand 144 stories high.
All total FEMA has obligated $487.1 million to fund public improvement projects. Here's what has been fixed or rebuilt: The Biloxi Community Center was restored, as was the Biloxi Natatorium, Port Division Administration Building, City Hall, Biloxi Lighthouse, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building, both the Back Bay and East Biloxi Fire Stations, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Point Cadet Marina, piers at Coliseum and Forrest Avenue, the White Avenue Fountain and the Sports Complex lighting and fencing.
Plus, the downtown library and civic center and the Lighthouse Park and Visitors Center are both well under construction.
Biloxi officials say the biggest challenge has been getting infrastructure rebuilt because of what they describe as FEMA issues. But one of the biggest obstacles to rebuilding for so many Biloxians, they say, is the high cost and availability of insurance.
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The Pima Animal Care Center is talking about a good news update, on two dogs that were brought in in mid-March, emaciated and with severe wounds on their faces.
The Pima Animal Care Center is talking about a good news update, on two dogs that were brought in in mid-March, emaciated and with severe wounds on their faces.
One thing is certain, tens of thousands of parents will be forced to scramble to find out what to do if enough teachers walk out.
One thing is certain, tens of thousands of parents will be forced to scramble to find out what to do if enough teachers walk out.
The Latest on Arizona teachers' threat to strike and the governor's reaction (all times local):
The Latest on Arizona teachers' threat to strike and the governor's reaction (all times local):
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Pima Animal Care Center is asking for the public's help again, as the tent that houses a portion of the dogs at the center, is at max capacity. They are looking for people to adopt or even foster a pup.
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The recall of romaine lettuce from Yuma, AZ, keeps on growing
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Katie Kelzenberg invited the Hollywood star to her prom next month.
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North Korea says it has suspended nuclear and long-range missile tests and plans to close nuclear test site, multiple news organizations reported.
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A man already in jail for the murder of his estranged wife's father was found guilty of a conspiracy to try and kill her by sending her a bomb through the mail, according to court documents.
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The Tucson Botanical Gardens, for the first time ever, will have a corpse flower bloom on property.
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April is distracted driving awareness month, and a mother from Alabaster hopes her daughter's story will convince you to keep both eyes on the road at all times.
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The Alabama State Board of Education has voted to name Dr. Eric Mackey as the next state superintendent of public schools. Mackey, who is currently Executive Director of School Superintendents of Alabama, won the ballots by a 5-4 vote.
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A 24-year-old will spend at least 25 years behind bars for raping a young girl in South Memphis.
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Another wave of school walkouts is expected as students honor victims of gun violence and push for gun control.
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Court documents reveal that Nicholas Lamons admitted to intentionally starting the fire during an interview with investigators.
A video of Virginia State University student Brianna Bundick-Kelly is going viral for her amazing dance moves. Now she is being approached by producers of entertainment companies.
A video of Virginia State University student Brianna Bundick-Kelly is going viral for her amazing dance moves. Now she is being approached by producers of entertainment companies.