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This is the view I woke up to this morning. We stayed overnight in Biloxi, Miss. at the Isle of Capri. We got in late so it was mostly dark except for this building on the eastern tip of this town.
I had seen all of NBC’s reporting out of Biloxi, including Brian’s trip here, but because it was so dark I couldn’t appreciate any of it, until of course we came across a National Guard roadblock. It reminded me of how often I had passed through one of those in New Orleans throughout September. When we followed their directions, however, we realized we would not be able to get to our hotel. Every road leading to it was blocked. We could see the lit structure from every angle -- we just couldn’t get there!
So we headed back through to the Guard pass and went on across -- the only road to the farthest point at the tip of Biloxi. It’s mostly gutted in the lobby but the rooms are clean and accommodating -- a sharp departure from what you see out the window when you wake up in the morning. As morning light often does, it brought the harsh light of reality to this place... houses completely demolished and barges clearly not in the right spot –- that was my scenic view.
Another view out my hotel window
We head out today to a few less traveled parts of western Mississippi, to an area called Long Beach and some towns across the bay. My producing partner out here, Doug Stoddard, and his fearless crew Todd Williams and Mike Concepcion, who we linked up with again last night, are going to head up to Pine Country in Washington Parish, La., just on the border with Mississippi. They’ll give us a read on what Martin hopes to report on Thursday. The eye traveled right over that area, and as we have learned, just because it wasn’t on the coast doesn’t mean it wasn’t impacted.
Time to meet the guys downstairs and head out.
Read more from After the Storm: The Long Road Back, Marisa Buchanan
Overnight at the Isle of Capri
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After reading this article, I called Isle of Capri to see how much of it has reopened. According to their Customer Service Department, none of it has. How did this writer stay there? Was this just something available to the press?
William Kloss (Sent Nov 2, 2005 4:12:21 PM)
In regards to the post by Tom Gniewek, his observations just reinforce the gaps in the damage. I've made three trips to the Biloxi area so far. I met my old Navy buddy in Birmingham on 9/1 for the first trip down. We delivered two vans of supplies, passed out ice/water, and helped clear debris. Obviously it was nearly impossible to find a clear area at that time. I flew into Jackson, MS and drove down again the weekend of 9/16 and searched through the remains of two houses looking for small things two of his nieces wished they could find. I also spent five hours helping one of them fill out insurance paperwork. There were a few more things open and gas was easily available this time. On 10/25 I spent the day helping friends clear out a house in D'Iberville (Biloxi suburb) that was about 3 miles from the coastline. It had been flooded up to the 6 foot level by the storm surge. Another of my friend's brothers lives in Hattiesburg, about 80 miles away, and they had massive wind damage and were actually without power longer than the family in the Biloxi area (except for the brother and niece who lived on the point and got wiped out to the foundation).
Wally Johnston, Houston, TX (Sent Nov 2, 2005 3:09:04 PM)
I appreciate the viewpoint of those not from this area. To see what's left today is just a small impression of what the afternoon of the 29th presented to us locals. Most of us from this area, even I, an editor for the local ABC affliate here in Biloxi/Gulfport, have not been given the opportunity to experience the full scope of the destruction left in Katrina's wake as all the VIPs that come to visit and awe at our new lifestyle and environment. But thanks for getting the word out about the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We may not be New Orleans and waving signs from the rooftops but we did get our share of grief and lifestyle changes handed to us.
Ed baker, Gulfport, MS (Sent Nov 2, 2005 2:12:56 PM)
I was in the same spot last week and traveled to nearby towns as well as inland. One thing that struck me was how much the reduced was the destruction just a short distnace from the shore.
For instance, head north on Oak from Rte. 90(just a few blocks from the Isle) and once you go about 1/4 mile and cross the tracks, the extent and nature of the damage is markedly different. I suggest you continue on Oak about another 1/4 mile to Pass Road and turn right or left. All of a sudden, except for damaged signs and roofs, you would not know there had ever been a Katrina. Pass Rd was bumper to bumper, WalMart was thronged and it was all very normal.The rail tracks you crossed are a divide.
I think this is an important aspect of the Katrina story.You have probably learned, as I did, that there are 2 different worlds, one south of and one north of the tracks.
Incidentally, I too arrived late at 10:00 PM at the Route 49 barricade. The police officer said "Sorry" but after I politely asked to be allowed to enter, he smiled, said "Drive carefully" and waved me through. I then drove along Route 90 to the Isle. On the way I stopped at both the EconoLodge and Hampton Inn. Both were filled up with workers. For the next 2 days I could enter "south of the tracks" night or day by simply waving or asking. Common sense prevails. After 2 days I went to New Orleans and spent much time in St. Bernard Parish. If you want to compare notes, e-mail me.
Tom Gniewek (Sent Nov 2, 2005 12:37:50 PM)
Please take pictures of Long Beach. It was a beautiful little town. It was my brother's hope to retire there. Unfortunately, that was not to be. He lost his condo in the storm, and his battle with cancer just a month later. Such a loss....
N. Ferril, Houston, TX (Sent Nov 2, 2005 12:32:27 PM)
If you have time, stop by the Pass Christian, MS police department. The story of the Chief, officers and dispatchers trying to ride out Katrina in the town library is a classic story of man against nature.
Randy Tedford (Sent Nov 2, 2005 11:55:12 AM)
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