RSS FeedCurrent Article

Biloxi Lighthouse Held Together By Plastic Ties?

Biloxi Lighthouse CC Photo by no_ill_fx on FlickrAccording to a story on WLOX-TV, the hurricane damaged Biloxi Lighthouse is headed for a major makeover. And not a moment too soon, as it will be featured on Mississippi’s latest license plate as a symbol of endurance after the hurricanes. The lighthouse took a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina and while it managed to survive, there was quite a bit of storm damage.

According to the story, broken lights, a makeshift door and a wrought iron fence that’s rusting and bent over in places and in need of paint are all included on the to-do list. Bill Raymond, the city’s historic administrator, has stated he can’t make repairs because, “If I do any work and I do it incorrectly, I’ve just jeopardized my funding from FEMA. So I have to be very careful about that.”

In the meantime, he’s using plastic cable ties to hold the fence upright. Huh? Well I guess we do whatever we can, but it seems even that is way too much of a temporary fix. I know dealing with FEMA is impossible, but it seems a screw or two wouldn’t jeopardize any funding.

At any rate, the proposal for a complete makeover is due to go before the city council at their next meeting.

“It’s going to be a complete restoration of the facility, replacement of all, repairs to the inside, repairs to the exterior, repainting the lighthouse, replacement of all the electrical system, including fixing the fence and everything on the outside,” Raymond said.

Long range plans for Mississippi’’s only lighthouse include developing a lighthouse park, improving public access and adding a visitor’s center. Biloxi Light is wholly owned by the City of Biloxi, and is listed as a Private Aid to Navigation.

Keep up with Lighthouse News. Get articles by Email or in a Reader.

Trackback URL

  1. 1 Trackback(s)

  2. Dec 23, 2007: Property Owner Rights vs. Lighthouse : Lighthouse News

Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.

  • Latest Posts

  • Categories

  • Translate This Page

  • Twitter Updates

  • Connect on Facebook

    Lighthouse News on Facebook
  • Updates and Corrections

    • Fairport Harbor Lighthouse Sale Update - Get your bids in for Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse. The General Services Administration has set October 26 as the soft close. A soft close ... - Continued...#
    • Lightkeepers Voices Heard - Some good news out of Canada...the planned de-staffing of several lighthouses has been put off indefinitely. The voices of the lighthouse keepers, the public outcry, ... - Continued...#
    • Email Newsletter - For those that have wondered, the newsletter is not dead. Ongoing health problems this summer and fall have made it difficult to be at a ... - Continued...#
  • Help Support Us

    Currency:

    Amount:

    Website(Optional):


    Powered By Lighthouse News

Flickr Lighthouse Photos