Biloxi Council approves county equipment use for Seafood Festival and Mardi Gras events

The Harrison County Board of Supervisors convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and support for local events. A significant portion of the meeting focused on approving the temporary use of county equipment for upcoming events, including the Gulf Coast Carnival Association's Mardi Gras celebration and the Biloxi Seafood Festival.

During the meeting, a mother of a child with special needs expressed gratitude for Camp Awesome, a local organization supporting individuals with disabilities. She urged the community to support their efforts, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for both adults and children.

The board approved a request for the temporary use of county equipment to assist the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in hosting the Scraping the Coast activities from June 20 to June 23. Additionally, they discussed a $5,000 request for promotional participation in the Biloxi Seafood Festival scheduled for September 13, 2025. The board decided to separate the discussions on equipment use and advertising expenditures to ensure clarity in their decisions.

In another notable decision, the board authorized expenditures for advertising to promote Harrison County's resources and opportunities. This includes various forms of media, ensuring that the community remains informed about local events and initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the need for a formal vote on previously discussed advertising for bids related to the conversion center, which had not been officially ratified in prior discussions. The board moved to rectify this oversight, ensuring that the advertisement process for bids is properly authorized.

Lastly, concerns were raised regarding the county's debris cleanup contract, which had expired amid hurricane season. The board emphasized the urgency of finalizing bids for debris cleanup services to ensure preparedness for potential storms.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to supporting local events and ensuring the community's safety and engagement during the hurricane season.