I saw video footage from Biloxi...Mississippi's economy is crippled

[Selatius]

The casino industry accounts for something like 15% of the state's entire GDP according to Gov Barbour.

Biloxi alone has 9 casinos, the highest concentration in Mississippi as far as I know. (Imperial Palace, Boomtown, Palace, Isle of Capri, Casino Magic, Grand Casino Biloxi, Beau Rivage, Treasure Bay, and the President) The Hard Rock Casino never finished construction before Katrina. They are all pretty much knocked out of business indefinitely, and the most properous one, the Grand Casino Biloxi, is wiped out. The casino barge itself must be a quarter mile from where its hotels are located.

The economy in this area pretty much no longer exists as half the buildings here are gone, and the casinos had thousands of employees. Barbour said in a phone interview with CNN the casinos generate 500,000 in tax revenue on just one day of operations, not counting property taxes and federal and local taxes. There are up to 50 reported dead in Harrison County where Biloxi and Gulfport are located. 30 of those died in Biloxi. Many of those died in the St. Charles Apartments. They didn't evacuate, apparently, just like three decades ago with that hurricane party thrown when Camille came.

The Bridge that connects to Ocean Springs, one town over, is annihilated. It was made out of steel and concrete.

After clicking the link below, click the red link for the aerial shots over Biloxi:

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=3782622&nav=6DJHduXE

The reason why I mention Biloxi is because I live in Ocean Springs, one town east just over that destroyed bridge. (Currently away doing college co-op in Orlando) I crossed that bridge almost daily during this summer to my summer job at the Imperial Palace, and I saw many of those casinos everyday. My mother worked in the Grand Casino Biloxi. She now has no work.

I have not been able to reach my mother for the last two days. I can't get through cellphone networks, and the land lines are no doubt shredded. I firmly believe she is ok. She lives further inland, and she's got a good head on her shoulders.


I just heard New Orleans, all of it, is to be evacuated. It won't be long until it becomes an abandoned city.

[MetaTrope]

1. Ugh, most of those casino profits were provided by my cousin

But fortunately he's getting psychiatric treatment.

[Nikki Stone 1]

2. Selatius, I so sympathize

Cell phones are still not working. Disaster relief should have satellite phones. I am still trying to reach someone in St Tammany,

All my best to you and I hope you hear from your mom soon.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. I hope you hear from your mom soon

I love the Gulf Coast and have been there many times. It is incredible to me to imagine those casinos gone. The Grand Casino is huge and it was blown across the highway.

[KoKo]

4. Selatius....I send prayers that your Mom is okay...

and hope you can keep your spirits up through this. :hug: