‘Opening up Biloxi Again:’ Biloxi mayor shares new initiative

‘Opening up Biloxi Again:’ News 25’s Toni Miles checks in with city leaders about Mayor Gilich’s new initiative and also takes us behind the scenes as Edgewater Mall prepares to open.

‘Waiting on the eye to pass,’ fitting headline in more ways than one as we roll into Hurricane Preparedness Week and as more South Mississippi businesses prepare to open for business as COVID-19 cases in the area go down. Biloxi Spokesman Vincent Creel said, “That’s the big difference here.  People can understand a hurricane, so Mayor Gilich likes to say, ‘We’re waiting on the eye to pass.’ It has not passed yet. The last thing we do, we don’t want to see a recurrence.”

Just one reason why the mayor has rolled out the ‘Opening up Biloxi Again’ initiative as more restaurants prepare to open and parks extend their hours under the state’s next phase of reopening coming up.

For now, close contact businesses such as hair and nail salons and gyms will remain closed, but when they do reopen the rules will apply to them as well as the businesses that will reopen when the governor’s new phase goes into effect. “The guidelines are the things we all know – common sense steps. Space out your barber stations. Space out your seating.”

But things are looking up for the City of Biloxi, shoppers, and those who just need some retail therapy. Edgewater Mall will be opening up Tuesday. Edgewater Mall Executive Director Terry Powell said, “It looks like I have about 30 tenants that will open Tuesday-with a few staggering in and opening later in the week. Dillard’s is going to open on May 12th. Belk will open this Friday-all with limited hours. Basically, the mall will be open 11 a.m to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.”

While the cinema is not set to open until further notice, when it comes to the city’s overall picture, Biloxi leaders are looking ahead and believe the page is finally turning when it comes to COVID-19 in the area. “In Harrison County, I think we are when you look at the 14-day track.”

If there’s one thing South Mississippians are on the same page about, it’s the hope that COVID-19 cases will continue to go down, more businesses will open back up, and we can all find our way to get back on track.