Even though the devastation from Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of Biloxi, the residents keep fighting to keep the spirit alive. Everywhere you look there are houses gone, businesses gone, and yet, the people are still there. Many left, they had to, but those that could, stayed or came back. Biloxi was home to the Grand Casino, which was the largest floating casino in the world – but it and all of its slot machines are gone now. It wiped out the Tullis-Toledano Manor, which had sat there since 1856. But the Grand Casino floated over and crushed the house during the storm. 

To see areas like this, it makes one think that Biloxi really is dead, but then you go downtown. There are workers everywhere getting ready to reopen the Beau Rivage – which has revamped its image, added more slot machines, and is getting ready for an August 29 re-opening. Go down to the southeastern part of the city, and you find more gambling. The slot machines are running overtime at the Isle of Capri and the Palace Casino Tower. Almost every home is gone, but the slots are still there. 

The Mayor is confident that they will be able to rebuild their city. Mayor Holloway believes that the booming casino industry will help them greatly. The new state law that says that the floating casinos can move ashore has helped as well. The five casinos currently up and running brought in $65.2 million in June. Last year they brought in $78.2 million, but considering what Biloxi has been through, they have done pretty well for themselves.

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