Hurricane Helene left downtown Gulfport flooded and buildings damaged.
Photo by Cathy SalustriGulfport hurricane recovery efforts downtown continue.Gulfport pushes ahead on waterfront and downtown repairs.
More than a year after powerful storms pummeled Gulfport’s shoreline, City continues its hurricane recovery efforts to restore key attractions and protect the waterfront against future destruction. City officials say recovery progress remains steady — but patience from residents will still be necessary.
Casino Restoration Moves to Design Phase
Public Works Director Tom Nicholls said the Gulfport Casino suffered extensive structural damage, including weakened flooring and compromised supports along the water-facing side of the building. Engineers have begun designing a comprehensive rebuild, a process expected to take eight months. After that, contractors will bid on the project, followed by roughly 12 months of construction.
About a month after Gulfport replaced the sand next to the Casino, an unnamed storm washed some of it out again.
Photo by Cameron HealyBeach Stabilization Heads to Council
Storm surge carved away sections of Gulfport Beach, creating hazardous drop-offs and thinning sand along popular recreation areas, according to Nicholls. City staff will present a beach restoration plan to City Council on Nov. 4. If Council approves the item, crews will begin a four-month effort to restore sand and strengthen the shoreline.
Downtown Roadway and Lighting Repairs Set to Start
Flooding and erosion damaged the pavement and drainage system downtown, along 54th Street and Shore Boulevard South, forcing the City to overhaul the roadway. The City awarded the reconstruction contract on Sept. 3, and materials have already been ordered. Nicholls said construction crews plan to mobilize before the end of October, launching another four-month project.
Because previous storms also knocked out lighting at Veterans Park and Williams Pier, the city tied those electrical improvements directly to the same job. Once work begins, all three sites will advance together.
Federal Funding Still Pending
While Gulfport has submitted multiple FEMA reimbursement requests, federal dollars have yet to arrive.
“We have not received any federal funds for these projects as of yet,” said Shannon Farrell, the City’s HR Director and Risk Manager. “We have FEMA projects written for the Casino, 54th/Shore, Veterans Park, and Williams Pier but they are still under review. We will not be receiving federal funds for the beach.”
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