riverboat casino biloxi

Betsy Ann Riverboat

From the time you board the Betsy Ann Riverboat until the time you step off the boat, we promise you an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime. Come aboard… close your eyes… listen to the paddle slapping the water in perfect time… and let your mind wander! There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful waters and scenery of historic Biloxi Bay than on a true old-fashioned paddle wheel boat. Whether younger or older, you imagine a bygone era – when paddle wheelers were the modern marvel of their time – the days of Mark Twain. Come learn the history of the Betsy Ann, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Barrier Islands, and more. Come enjoy the peacefulness of just being on the water. See lots of playful dolphins and watch the brown pelican flying in formation just inches above the water or diving from the air to catch a fish. You can even come up in the pilot house with the captain, steer the boat, and get your picture taken with the huge wheel. The lower enclosed cabin is heated and cooled for year-round comfort. Enjoy sights and sounds on the covered open-air upper deck. The Betsy Ann is Coast Guard certified to carry 150 passengers plus crew. We are docked between The Golden Nugget and Margaritaville.

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MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

• Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
• 1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS, 39530
• (228) 523-4150
• [email protected]

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Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection

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Welcome to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection

Southern hospitality meets Las Vegas luxury at the South’s only MGM Resort, featuring over 1,700 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, more than ten restaurants, exciting nightlife, and an 85,000-square-foot gaming area including the Vegas-style sportsbook, BetMGM Book Bar & Grill. This AAA Four Diamond resort offers world-class dining, upscale shopping, a nationally ranked spa and salon, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, and a pool overlooking the Mississippi Sound. So, if you want to escape the real world, lose yourself for a few days in ours. We look forward to your visit.

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Indulge in unique experiences and the ultimate escape at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection, now participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Discover new ways to earn and redeem points in Las Vegas and beyond.

FEATURED AMENITIES ON-SITE

Hotel information.

Check In: 3:00 pm

Check Out: 11:00 am

Minimum Age to Check In: 21

Pets Welcome

Maximum of 2 dogs (fee per dog), cannot exceed a combined weight of 100lbs.

Non-Refundable Pet Fee Per Night: $150.00

Maximum Pet Weight: 100.0lbs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 2

Complimentary On-Site Parking

Complimentary Valet Parking

Salt & Ivy

Enjoy Coastal-inspired dishes, a weekend Champagne Brunch featuring Southern standards and bottomless mimosas, plus themed dinner nights.

Say hello to the quintessential American steakhouse where modern glamour, impeccable service and amazing food (but of course!) come together to transform your evening into a special occasion.

Traditional seafood and Cajun-inspired cuisine inspired by the culture and spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Light but filling salads, heaping deli sandwiches, hotdogs, a freshly baked cookie or some chips… grab a table or take it with you. We’re all about options!

Stalla creates just the right recipe for an evening of classic Italian food: a reasonably priced menu of gourmet selections paired with premium Italian wines and excellent, attentive service.

East meets West with spectacular results at our award-winning Asian restaurant, featuring signature dishes including Teriyaki Salmon, Ginger Lobster, and Mongolian Ribeye, plus noodles, sushi, and traditional favorites.

BetMGM Book Bar & Grill

This state-of-the-art BetMGM Book Bar & Grill is the Southeast’s premier destination for high-energy sports entertainment and dining.

The Buffet at Beau Rivage

The atmosphere is lively, contemporary and warm – a perfect backdrop to the amazing array of mouth-watering food.

The Roasted Bean

Linger over your morning paper with a warm breakfast sandwich. Enjoy a light lunch. Take a mid-afternoon shopping break with freshly baked pastries. Or just drop by for your favorite coffee fixation – straight up, blended, frozen – you name it.

Pool Bar & Café

Pool Bar & Café has all your refreshment needs covered.

Black Clover Lounge

Black Clover Lounge delivers another element of entertainment in a swanky yet comfortable setting.

The Daiquiri Shop

Enjoy frozen treats including daiquiris with or without alcohol, and an ever-evolving "pop-up style" cuisine with a rotating menu of quick bites.

Chill out with a cocktail and enjoy some video poker without exiting the action at Breeze Bar.

The ultra-cool vibe of EIGHT75 is ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks, meeting up after a show or just spending time with friends.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Stay

Beau Rivage Salon & Spa

Nationally ranked and award-winning, the Spa & Salon has everything you need to relax and recharge.

Beau Rivage Fitness Center

Entertainment at your fingertips

From live music to edge-of-your-seat acrobatics and everything in between, there is no shortage of dazzling entertainment when you stay with us.

Travel the world with your taste buds. From a bespoke omakase experience to a dazzling buffet or a midnight breakfast, explore our fabulous dining options.

The Pool Awaits

Delight is pool time by booking an exclusive hideaway experience. Pool Season is here.

Getting Here

875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA, 39530

On-Property:

Property Details

Contactless mobile payments

Concierge desk service

Currency Exchange

Property has elevators

Vending Machine

Languages spoken by staff: English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, French

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 228-386-7111

Accessible on-site parking

Service Animals are Welcome

Valet parking for vehicles outfitted for drivers in wheelchairs

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Room and Suites Access through the Interior Corridor

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Alarm Clock Telephone Ringers

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Closed Caption TV

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Flashing Door Knockers

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Lowered Night Guards on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors

TTY/TTD Compatible

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection is 3:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am.

The pet policy at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection is:

The parking options at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection are:

The property amenities at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection are:

No, free Wi-Fi is not available to guests at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection.

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BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO, MGM COLLECTION

875 Beach Blvd,

Biloxi, Mississippi, USA, 39530

Fax: +1 228-386-7446

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The Mississippi Dinner Cruise You Simply Have To Take

The Betsy Ann Riverboat in Biloxi offers a unique dinner cruise experience with locally catered meals, live entertainment, and scenic views.

Written by  

Are you tired of the typical dinner-and-a-movie night out? Then why not change things up a bit with dinner and a cruise ? Thanks to Biloxi’s Betsy Ann Riverboat, it’s a real possibility. Dinner cruises are offered throughout the year and are catered by the best restaurants on the coast. Serving up incredible food in an atmosphere to match, this Mississippi dinner cruise belongs on your bucket list. Take a look:

The Betsy Ann Riverboat is "one of America’s last remaining true sternwheel paddleboats" – and you can go for a ride on it!

It departs from 173 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530, between Margaritaville Resort and Golden Nugget Casino.

The 150-passenger boat includes a covered open-air upper deck as well as a lower enclosed cabin, which is heated and cooled for year-round comfort.

In addition to historical, ecological, and sunset cruises, the Betsy Ann Riverboat offers dinner cruises, giving you the chance to dine on the Mississippi Sound.

During the two-hour dinner cruise, you’ll enjoy a locally catered dinner along with a beautiful view.

You’ll also be treated to live entertainment and dancing.

Even better, the tickets are completely affordable. An adult ticket, which includes a ride on the Betsy Ann and dinner, is only $45, while a child’s ticket (ages 4 – 12) is $35.

Remember, reservations are required since the food is catered in by local restaurants.

There’s also an option to purchase a ticket without a meal, giving you access to the upper deck where gorgeous sunset views are plentiful.

Ready to reserve your spot on the Betsy Ann Riverboat?

For more information, visit the Betsy Ann Riverboat website or Facebook page . You can also call (228) 229-4270 .

So, ever set sail on the Betsy Ann? Did you dine while aboard the boat? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

Looking for another boat ride to add to your bucket list? Click here .

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Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Mississippi

Few things feel more quintessentially summer than dining al fresco . If you're looking for a waterfront restaurant in Mississippi, few spots boast The Chimneys' glowing reputation. This local Gulfport institution has had the last word on classic coastal cuisine for almost a quarter of a century, winning guests over with warm service and dazzling waterfront views.

As its name suggests, Gulfport perches on the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors will find jaw-dropping views of the water up and down the beachfront. Historical landmarks, like ivory lighthouses , add to the city's coastal appeal, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways .

Gulfport is no stranger to excellent seafood, and residents wouldn't be taken in by subpar fare. It says something, then, that The Chimneys, owned by locals Peter and Dix Nord, has flourished since its turn-of-the-milennium debut at its present-day location.

Situated in what was once a stately society home, the century-old structure epitomizes Southern charm. But the glittering coastal scenery that put it on the map would also be its undoing.In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulfport coastline and reduced the restaurant to rubble. In disbelief, the Nord family returned to their business, where only some silverware and a table remained.

But Mississippians are nothing if not resilient. Four years after the tragedy took their livelihood from them, the Nord family— who've been in the restaurant business for years— decided to rebuild. The Gulfport community was thrilled to have their favorite beachside spot back. From then on, The Chimneys moved from strength to strength, even earning recognition as Mississippi's most charming restaurant by the British website Lovefood.

It's easy to see why this local gem is so beloved. I adore the airy interiors that combine breezy relaxation with an elegant twist, making The Chimneys perfect for family events, dates, and spontaneous evenings of indulgence.

Even if you're not seated on the porch, when the weather permits, staff open the windows to make the most of the sunshine.

Listen to the sound of the trees and waves outside while you dig into a menu of upscale classics. The Chimney's offerings perfectly harmonize with the settings: Staple coastal dishes prepared as they should be, with fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and exceptional skill.

If you can, save room for dessert, but if you're tuckered out by dinner's end, rest assured you'll have your chance at the sweet, seasonal fare. Restaurants like The Chimneys persevere through challenges by capturing guests' loyalty, and you'll likely be planning your next visit as soon as you leave.

Looking for a waterfront restaurant in Mississippi? Check out The Chimneys , a local Gulfport joint many consider the state's most charming spot for coastal dining.

The Largest Burgers In Mississippi Require Two Hands At The Burger Basket

Sitting pretty on the Louisiana/Mississippi line, Osyka is a tiny town in Pike County that’s home to fewer than 500 residents. While most would consider this a drive-by town on their way north to McComb or south to Kentwood, I’d urge you to pull over and pay a visit to The Burger Basket. This restaurant in Osyka, Mississippi is a local favorite and home to some of the biggest, most delicious burgers in Mississippi. Let’s check it out:

Don’t let the unassuming exterior of Burger Basket fool you, this restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

Like so many small-town restaurants in Mississippi, Burger Basket is a casual, come-as-you-are eatery.

It’s a no frills, all flavor restaurant which is the perfect place to stop on a road trip.

While burgers are the specialty, and we'll get to those in a minute, there are plenty of non-burger options on the menu.

The Burger Basket renewed its menu in January of 2024 and added plenty of new dishes you'll want to try.

The Burger Basket is known to be very generous with its portions, so be sure to come hungry.

Even the salads spill off of the plate!

Of course, the burgers here are simply the best.

You can't go wrong here.

The double-meat cheeseburger is so big, you'll need to take a proper "burger stance" to eat it.

You know the one. Two hands, rolled up sleeves, wide stance... Hovering over the plate to minimize spilling. You know you're in for a good burger when the burger stance comes into play.

I know fries are the ultimate companion to a burger, but the onion rings at The Burger Basket are the way to go here.

These homemade onion rings are just delicious! Throw one or two on top of your burger and thank me later.

Follow The Burger Basket on Facebook for a full menu and hours of operation.

Osyka is just one of many small towns in Mississippi that we love to explore. If you're thinking about taking a road trip , read on to discover some of our favorite small towns in Mississippi:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/mississippi/sleepy-small-towns-ms/

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Betsy Ann Riverboat

Price & Hours

• Facilities 2.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

Learn about Biloxi history, the seafood industry's importance to the local economy and the wildlife that call the Mississippi Sound home on a cruise aboard the Betsy Ann Riverboat. The boat, which accommodates up to 70 passengers, operates a variety of cruises year-round. One of the most popular is the two-hour Historical and Ecological Tour, which travels in the Mississippi Sound and around the barrier islands on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico – areas where you might glimpse wildlife like dolphins or pelicans. The tour, which travels between the city and Deer Island, is offered year-round Wednesday through Sunday at 3 p.m. It focuses on local history and the ecology of the Mississippi Sound. Meanwhile, the Hibachi Dinner Cruise, which is offered on select evenings from March through November, features the scenery of the Gulf Coast and a dinner prepared on board. The seasonal Sunset Eco-Tour may head to the sound or Biloxi Bay, depending on the weather. Cruises featuring live music also operate seasonally.

Cruise passengers typically find the excursions enjoyable and the captain's narration informative. Those who opt for the dinner cruise consistently call the food excellent.

Prices vary depending on which tour you take, but generally start at around $25 for adults, $17 for children 4 to 12 and $10 for infants for the afternoon and evening eco-tours. Tickets for the dinner cruises cost around $55 for adults, $40 for children and $10 for infants. Private charters are also available. The boat is equipped with a full bar and snacks available for purchase. Boats depart from the marina located between Margaritaville Resort Biloxi and the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino . For more information, visit the official website .

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#1 Biloxi Casinos

Biloxi's casinos draw gamblers far and wide – and they're a big part of the city's tourism and history. Many of the area's casinos are connected to megaresorts that bring in millions of dollars for the city, and they have certainly seen some changes (and improvements) over the years. All of the city's casinos were originally floating gaming venues: They were required by Mississippi law to be built on barges separate from the land communities (in an attempt to isolate gaming activity from the general public). But when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, all the casinos were either severely damaged or completely destroyed. A new law allowed the casinos to be rebuilt on land and hoteliers invested in the construction of new or refurbished casinos.

Some of the most popular gaming spots in Biloxi include the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino , the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi , IP Casino Resort Spa , Harrah's Gulf Coast and Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel . These properties are not only home to casinos, but also offer accommodations and amenities like spas, fitness centers and pools. Beau Rivage also boasts a theater that receives rave reviews and has featured musical acts like Tony Bennett, ZZ Top and Martina McBride as well as comedians and dance performances. When it comes to gambling, the casinos host everything from table games, roulette and slots to poker rooms and high-stakes card lounges.

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Biloxi's Boats Aren't Just for Shrimping, They've Also Been Riverboat Casinos!

Posted by Jane Shambra on May 31st 2023

This article originally written by Jane Shambra with the title "The Advent of Biloxi's Dockside Gambling" for  BNews Monthly , the monthly newsletter of the City of Biloxi.  Photographs courtesy of the LHG Image Collection / Local History & Genealogy Department / Harrison County Library System unless otherwise specified.

Biloxi’s history has many chapters devoted to gambling. One of the earliest written records of gambling in this area can be found in French journals. One such finding was in the journal of French missionary priest Father Paul Du Ru. In 1700, he noted that Native Americans were “great gamblers” and the gifts they received were often used as bets. Many early French sellers were also gamblers. Through journal entries, we learn that they were especially fond of betting at card games.

In 1989, Mississippi lawmakers approved gambling on cruise ships as long as they were inside the international waters' boundaries. One year later, the Mississippi Gaming Control Act passed, stating that casino gambling was permitted for 24 hours a day in moored floating casinos along the Mississippi River and along the Gulf Coast.

The vessels docked in Biloxi and were connected by a two-story floating pavilion and required a certified boat captain to remain on staff in the event of a hurricane threat. Together, they comprised the Isle of Capri Casino. The new legalized gambling venue opened on August 1, 1992 with 600 slot machines, craps, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and pai gow. It was estimated that about 8,000 people entered those boats within 16 hours of opening. Security services were provided by the Port Commission to keep order.

Appropriately, the Isle of Capri Casino was named after a previous gambling venue: Isle of Caprice. The island-based casino resort formally opened on May 30, 1926 and existed on Dog Key Island which was located between Ship and Horn islands, about 10 miles south of Biloxi.

The resort, opened by Walter Henry "Skeet" Hunt, greeted tourists by way of passenger boats like the Pan American and provided big-band entertainment and gambling. After years of natural erosion, the isle disappeared beneath the water. Even though that island and all its fun is long gone, it's one of the fascinating segments attached to Biloxi’s unique casino history.

According to an old Native American legend, this island will once again resurface. 

President Casino

About six miles to the west of the Isle of Capri, Biloxi’s second riverboat casino, the President Casino, opened on Thursday, August 13, 1992 at the Broadwater Marina. The riverboat was 292 feet in length and 66 feet wide. It was built at a cost of $17M and featured three decks with 480 slot and video poker machines and 42 game tables. Its capacity was set at 1,000 visitors at a time. 

Biloxi Belle

Modeled aver a graceful paddlewheel steamboat, the Biloxi Belle opened August 25, 1992 at 857 Beach Blvd. advertising 40 gaming tables slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, Texas hold em, and video poker. They also offered guests a Lucky Belle players club card and an amazing seafood restaurant.

In early 1993, the Biloxi dictionary added a new word: Casino Row. Who first uttered this perfect descriptive for the southeast tip of Biloxi’s peninsula is still a mystery, but ideally, the Biloxi Planning Department must have initialed this new term based on the number of new and upcoming casino projects they were reviewing at that time. Cannery Row, Biloxi’s seafood factories neighborhood, was officially transformed into Casino Row, a term still sometimes heard today. 

The Neighborhood

It is interesting to note that the concept of a gambling venue wasn't new to the cannery row neighborhood. Across the street from the now famed casino row was the renowned Tullis-Toledano Manor.

The Tullis-Toledano Manor is remembered for other historical snippets. In its basement, there was rumored to be gold coins in concrete chunks. The Famous Counselor Oak tree was adjacent to the Manor, named so because it was rumored to be the meeting place for Native American chiefs to conduct negotiations. Sadly, both the historical structure as well as its memorable tree were squashed in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina sent a casino barge in that direction, flattening both.

Katrina's Changes

Soon after the arrival of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, leaders went right to work to establish how casinos could reopen. The dockside gaming regulations were edited and casino gaming establishments were able to reopen 800 feet from the mean (average) high water line. Biloxi’s casino Katrina recovery efforts began right away.

Katrina Casino Trivia

The first casino to reopen after Hurricane Katrina was the IP (aka Imperial Palace) Casino. On December 22, 2005, it reopened with 1,900 slot machines and 52 gaming tables. On opening day then Mayor A. J. Holloway welcomed the grand event with “Let the good times roll!"

On December 26, 2005, the Isle of Capri Casino reopened with 728 slot machines, 29 table games, and 9 poker tables. It made history again, since it was the first to move onto land with the new regulations in place.

The Palace Casino proudly opened on December 30, 2005 with 826 slot machines and 14 tables. Its 236-room hotel was completely booked.

Today, Biloxi currently has numerous casinos all along the coastline. Check out the City’s  website to learn more about Biloxi's casinos!

Hungry for shrimp? Visit our  Shop page to order wild-caught Gulf shrimp to be shipped to anywhere in the country today!

Mississippi’s first dockside casinos opened 29 years ago this week

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - It was 29 years ago this week that Mississippi’s first dockside casino opened .

The Isle of Capri opened its doors on Aug. 1, 1992, ushering in a new era for the Gulf Coast and the state. Thousands of people stood outside two riverboats on a sweltering day, waiting to go inside.

Days later, the President Casino and the Biloxi Belle opened their riverboat-style gambling halls.

Mississippi Senator Tommy Gollott, a Democrat from the 50th Senate District in Harrison County, spearheaded the legislation for dockside gambling to help the slumping state economy.

As a result, on June 29, 1990, the Mississippi Legislature passed the Mississippi Gaming Control Act . This act stated that casino gambling was allowed only in counties along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast, as long as the voters in those eligible areas approved it.

On Dec. 5, 1990, Hancock County became the first Mississippi county to approve dockside gambling. Harrison County quickly followed. Two years after the Gaming Control Act passed, the Isle of Capri became the first dockside casino on the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi’s new gambling law allowed those riverboats to dock at Point Cadet and never move.

A lot has changed in Mississippi’s gaming industry since the Isle of Capri’s debut. Riverboats were replaced by floating resorts. Casinos soon added hotels and other lavish amenities.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina basically wiped out the Coast’s casino industry, lawmakers allowed the games to move 800 feet inland, where they remain today.

The original promise to legalize dockside gambling focused on job creation. As of 2018 , the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association reported more than 20,000 direct jobs at casinos throughout the state. More than half of those are in South Mississippi.

In 2020 , Mississippi casinos grossed nearly $1.8 billion in revenue, according to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Of that, nearly $1.1 billion was from coastal casinos.

Currently, there are 36 casinos throughout the Magnolia State in 13 cities, including 12 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

WLOX remembers Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Every August 29th, we remember where we were before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. For many of us, it was right here at WLOX and with many of you who survived the deadly and devestating storm. Let us never forget those we lost, the power of Mother Nature, and the spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to build back even stronger than before! ❤️ Posted by WLOX-TV on Thursday, August 29, 2019

Copyright 2021 WLOX . All rights reserved.

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Thursday updates: Checking in on bridges & beaches, and firefighters that wrangled a gator

NOTE: This story has been made available for free, for all readers. Please consider supporting local journalism through the purchase of a digital subscription .

Hurricane Francine dragged across the Gulf South overnight with strong winds that gushed storm surge, crumpled roofs and turned roads into rivers from the southeastern Louisiana coast to New Orleans. As it weakened to a tropical storm, Francine spared the Mississippi Coast of its worst but flooded roads and low-lying areas, and brought strong winds that blew before sunrise Thursday morning.

Francine became a tropical storm as it tracked across central and northern Mississippi on Thursday, and flooding, power outages and other impacts were still felt in South Mississippi Thursday.

3:10 p.m.: Traffic stalled at drawbridges

MDOT reports road congestion on I-110 in D’Iberville and Biloxi as the drawbridge opens to let marine traffic through.

Drivers report they also are waiting while other drawbridges on the Coast open frequently for the boats that moved inland during Hurricane Francine.

2:30 p.m.: Francine by the numbers in Harrison

Harrison County Emergency Management Agency held its post-Francine meeting, reviewing damage and cleanup from Hurricane Francine.

Some of the numbers from the storm:

5.6 feet was apparently the highest surge recorded, at Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, with 5.1 feet being the highest in Harrison County, at Point Cadet in East Biloxi.

7.9 feet was the highest water line recorded in Harrison County, at the Biloxi Lighthouse near downtown.

4-6 inches of rainfall was recorded across the county, with 6 inches being the highest total found.

76 was the maximum number of roads closed in the cities and county, with 64 of those in Pass Christian; 21 roads in Pass Christian remained closed around noon Thursday.

15 trees were down around the county.

Also of note: The Bayou Portage Bridge on Henderson Avenue in Pass Christian is closed to vehicles, but repairs will be attempted Friday. County sand bag locations are closed but still have self-serve sand available.

1:40 p.m.: Gator wrangling during Francine

First responders are asked to do all types of rescues during tropical weather. Pass Christian firefighters found themselves on gator patrol as Hurricane Francine stirred up the waves and the wildlife Wednesday night into Thursday.

Here’s what happened.

1:15 p.m.: Crews cleaning the beaches

Harrison County beaches remain closed until further notice for clean-up. Harrison County Supervisors said the sand beach crews are working diligently to restore the beaches the day after Hurricane Francine.

Noon: Bridge updates

Popp’s Ferry Bridge is open to marine and vehicular traffic, Biloxi announces.

Cedar Lake bridge was closed for flooding but now is open.

Bayou Portage Bridge in Harrison County will have limited openings Thursday at noon and 5 p.m., exclusively for boats. The bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic because of an electrical malfunction that requires repairs. For information call 228-896-0204

10:35 a.m.: Coast “very blessed”

Hancock County’s emergency teams have no reports of home damage from Hurricane Francine, said Emergency Manager Brian “Hooty” Adam. The worst of the county’s flooding is in Shoreline Park, and Adam said companies are working to restore electricity to more than 1,300 residents still without power.

Emergency officials will enter flooded areas as soon as they can to check for damages, Adam said, but the county seemed to avoid the worst. “The water is receding,” he said. “We’re very blessed.”

9:15 a.m.: Spared from serious flooding

The Jourdan River Shores community in Kiln has flooded badly in past hurricanes . But the few residents out Thursday morning cleaning their driveways and garages said the neighborhood fared far better in Hurricane Francine. Neighbors said streets flooded up to Highway 603 overnight, but by Thursday the water was draining and residents were retrieving cars they had parked on high ground.

8:35 a.m.: Casino reopens

Silver Slipper Casino in Hancock County will be totally open Thursday. It was partially closed during Hurricane Francine, when water covered the road.

“We’ve gotten word that Beach Blvd. down by the casino is clear so Silver Slipper will be fully operational today,” the casino posted on Facebook. “Everything will be open on normal schedule.”

U.S. 90 appears to be open now across the Coast, including near Rodenberg in Biloxi, that was flooded earlier. MDOT reports there is still flooding in Hancock County on MS 604 at Whipple Road.

8:30 a.m.: Surveying Francine’s damage

Harrison County — Fire Chief Pat Sullivan said Thursday morning that crews had cleared downed trees on roads overnight as Francine made her way through the area.

”We are grabbing them as we see them,” he said. “Our primary concern is whatever was covering county roads.” Most of the areas that had trees down have already been taken care of,” he said.”We are still in the middle of doing damage assessments,” he said.

Hancock County — Emergency Manager Brian “Hooty” Adam said Thursday morning the county’s biggest problems were flooding and power outages. The water is going down, he said, but many neighborhoods are flooded in. Emergency crews had not been called for any boat rescues as of 8:30 a.m.

Jackson County Office of Emergency Services says minor damage occurred across the county, with reports of power outages, trees down and flooded streets.

EOC director Earl Etheridge said they received reports of about 30 to 40 downed trees across the county. ”We’ve got about 30 roads that either have water on them or trees across them. They are close to low-lying areas, in St. Martin where storm water backed up from Biloxi’s Back Bay.

”So far, Etheridge said, they have received no reports of home damage but said that could change because “people are just getting out and looking.” (edited)

Moss Point has flooding at River Road/Jefferson Street and. Pascagoula has flooding at Point Park.

10:20 a.m.: Powering up the Coast

Crews are out restoring power to customers in South Mississippi left in the dark by Hurricane Francine.

Coast Electric reports 6,085 customers without power in Pearl River County, 1,108 in Hancock County and 100 in Harrison County.

Mississippi Power has 1,827 outages, most of them north of the Coast as Tropical Storm Francine batters the Jackson area.

Singing River Electric has 16 customers without power in Jackson County, 13 of them on River Road in Vancleave.

For those who don’t have power to cook, Rouses Market says all stores have reopened and the hot bars are stocked.

8 a.m.: TD Francine

Hurricane Francine has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression Francine as it moves north and drops heavy rain on Jackson and central Mississippi.

South Mississippi and Louisiana are dealing with flooding and other issues. See the scenes of the recovery.

7:20 a.m.: Flights resume and stores reopen

The early flights were canceled or delayed at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Thursday morning, but most service is now returning to normal.

The Walmart stores in Gulfport and west in South Mississippi that closed Wednesday afternoon have all reopened, except for Picayune.

6:45 a.m.: Curfews expire

Curfews have expired in Gulfport, Waveland and Bay St. Louis. Officials are still warning drivers to stay off the roads because of flooding.

6:40 a.m.: Storm surge levels

Water levels in Bay St. Louis measured about 4.5 feet above normal during what appeared to be peak storm surge at 2 a.m., according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide gauge at the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club .

Water appeared to recede Thursday morning, and the gauge measured 2 feet above normal around 6:30 a.m.

Water levels at a tide gauge in Pascagoula measured about 2.5 feet above normal early Thursday morning.

Forecasters earlier estimated surge could reach 4 to 6 feet in Hancock and Harrison counties, and 3 to 5 feet in Jackson County.

6:35 a.m.: Flooded streets

Mississippi Department of Transportation reports street flooding on MS 604 at Whipple Road in Hancock County and on U.S. 90 between Rodenburg and Acacia avenues.

Hancock County officials report more than 365 streets flooded, and there are reports of flooded streets in D’Iberville and other areas that typically flood during hurricanes.

Traffic lights aren’t working in Biloxi at Bohn and Division streets and are in flashing mode at Cedar Lake and Medical Park drive.

6:15 a.m.: Thousands without power

The rain is mostly over in South Mississippi and gusty winds continue. making it more challenging to drive on the interstate and prolonging the risk of downed trees and power outages.

Thousands of customers have no power across the Coast this morning.

▪ Coast Electric reports 13,441 customers without power or 15% of its total customers, including 7,422 in Pearl River County, 3,702 in Harrison County and 2317 in Hancock County.

▪ Mississippi Power reports 190 outages affecting 3,618 customers

▪ Singing River Electric power outage map shows 1,889 customers without power, 900 of them around Chico Road North in Pascagoula and 1,500 outages in Jackson County.

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