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Residents press Biloxi council on Sheridan Court flooding, Broadwater blight and youth-sports facilities
Summary
Several residents asked the council for help with chronic flooding on Sheridan Court and Jefferson, persistent code violations at the Broadwater property, and inoperable scoreboards and PA systems at AJ Holloway Sportsplex; United Way asked for a partial facility-fee waiver for a fundraising event.
Biloxi — Multiple residents used the public-comment portion of the Feb. 24 meeting to press the city council for action on long-running neighborhood problems and civic amenities.
United Way CEO Kathy Springer (speaker 18) asked the council to waive half of a $3,000 civic-center rental fee for the organization's annual talent show, saying the nonprofit channels nearly all funds raised into community partners and direct services. "We bring about 300 people ... 98.5¢ of every dollar we raise hits the street," Springer said, asking for a $1,500 discount to support scholarships and outreach.
Residents from Sheridan Court and nearby blocks described repeated stormwater flooding inside homes. Samantha Hilner (speaker 21) said heavy rains flood her garage and lift portions of her home's foundation, causing mold and making her house difficult to sell. Lizzie Williams (speaker 20) reported foul water odors and repeated system flushing requests, asking the city to provide more frequent line flushing or prioritize project funding.
Parents and youth-league volunteers raised ongoing equipment failures at AJ Holloway Sportsplex. Janet Kavanaugh (speaker 7) said scoreboard and PA systems have been nonfunctional for years, depriving children of basic play experiences: "Our children deserve to hear their names called," she said, asking that the city prioritize basic operational repairs.
Multiple residents and council members returned to the Broadwater property issue, asking why widely reported code violations persist there while others in the city receive citations. Council and staff agreed to pursue additional enforcement and convene conversations with property owners and neighborhood representatives.
What happens next: Council asked staff to follow up on drainage complaints and return with status on bond- or grant-based funding opportunities; staff and code enforcement indicated they will check owner contact status and report back. United Way's waiver was considered on the consent list and approved (see council votes).
