Found this little excerpt from an article:
Signs of the devastation remain among the scattered signs of hope. Along the coastal highway, most of the twisted metal, concrete and other storm debris has been cleared, leaving vacant, grassy lots in many places where stately century-old homes once overlooked the white sand beaches.
In some places, front porch steps lead to nowhere and high-rise condominiums have sprung up where homes and businesses used to stand. About 13,000 families are still in government-issued trailers.
Casinos are a major driver of Biloxi’s economy – music from the Hard Rock hotel and casino could be heard during the morning service – and city leaders hope their presence in the community will attract new investment, particularly among smaller, mom-and-pop-type hotels and restaurants.
“We had a long way to go, but we’re coming back,” Holloway said, while acknowledging that doesn’t mean Katrina will be forgotten.
Source: WDAMÂ
BILOXI, Mississippi — As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: “Two years after Hurricane Katrina shut down the casino business on the Coast, gross gaming revenue soared to a record high of $122.4 million in July, 11 casinos are open compared with 12 before the stormand it’s difficult to keep count of how many more are proposed.
“Developers Donald Trump and the Golden Nugget have come and gone, but others – including singer Jimmy Buffett – are investing in the Coast.
“…Hard Rock Casino opened in June with huge numbers, continuing the Coast’s record of expanding its market share with the opening of each new hotel/casino/resort. Casino executives and Mississippi Gaming Commission Chairman Jerry St. Pé said a year ago on the first anniversary of Katrina they expect this trend to continue.
“St. Pé said the $500 million invested by MGM Mirage to reopen Beau Rivage a year ago is an indicator of what’s to come on the Coast…”
Source: Casino City TimesÂ
Treasure Bay is pretty much the favorite casino of the Biloxi Blog. Of course the Beau Rivage is also on top of the list. But the Bay has always treated me so good, that they get the nod. I am glad to see the hotel finally open. Here is the article from the Sun Herald..
BILOXI – Earlier this summer the expanded casino floor and buffet opened, and now Treasure Bay Casino is welcoming its first overnight guests since Hurricane Katrina.
Erik Johnson, director of advertising, said several floors of the hotel tower opened this week and more will be available within about a month.
Adding to these first 91 rooms will be 70 more rooms and suites at the end of September. An additional 90 pool terrace rooms will then be renovated and ready for guests near the end of the year, Johnson said.
Completely renovated since the storm, the tower rooms were designed with plush fabrics and imported furnishings in keeping with the decor of the resort. The guest rooms feature pillowtop mattresses, high-definition TV, a choice of tub or walk-in shower and sweeping views toward the Gulf of Mexico or overlooking the swimming pool and the city.
Also coming in September will be the debut of the CQ fine-dining restaurant and adjoining Blu ultra-lounge on the ninth floor, along with retail and four conference rooms to accommodate weddings and small conferences. Joining Executive Chef Tim Miller are “a number of chefs coming back from Captain’s Quarters.” That restaurant was destroyed during Katrina along with the Treasure Bay pirate-ship casino. Treasure Bay management chose to bring back several of the most popular dishes from the original restaurant while giving the new steak and seafood restaurant a different name and updated style.
The infinity swimming pool area is also getting a complete makeover. A rock waterfall will spill into a lower pool and there will be cabanas, a fire pit and poolside bar. “The whole area’s being landscaped,” Johnson said, and they hope to use the area for events.
I will be keeping my eye out for fresh reviews about the Treasure Bay hotel, I am also trying to make a trip in the very near future so I can offer my own review.
