A Heart-Felt Thanks From Mississippi: Post-Katrina Assistance Appreciated

By Keri Holt, Destin Log, Fla.

Jan. 3–More than a year has passed since Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and as the area continues their efforts to rebuilt, the residents still remember the generous people who helped in the recovery, including those in Destin. A letter of thanks was sent to The Destin Log recently from the Mississippi Gulfcoast Convention and Visitors Bureau, to thank the people and organizations of Destin who’ve given their time, their hearts and their hands. The letter specifically named the city of Destin employees and Destin Church of Christ for their assistance. “We would like to thank those in the Destin area who gave of themselves to aid in our recovery. Words can’t begin to express our appreciation,” wrote Stephen Richer, executive director of the Mississippi Gulfcoast Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ten casinos are now open along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a Hard Rock Casino is under construction and a $500-million Bacaran Bay Casino Resort is proposed along with seven other proposed developments. Many new condominiums are also under construction and several more are proposed. The current population of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is up to 98 percent of the pre-Hurricane Katrina population, according to a Mississippi Gulf Coast Web site. FEMA assistance continues to be offered, hotel inventory has grown, and activity at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has increased. With the help of their neighbors, such as Destin, the pieces are coming back into place along the Mississippi coast. Volunteers from Mission Love Seeds Inc. of Destin continue to visit Hancock County, Miss., once a month, delivering needed supplies. “As we continue to rebuild our coastal communities, we are inspired by the ongoing commitment of so many people around the country, such as Destin,” Richer wrote. “Because of this kindness, Destin has a permanent place in our hearts.” City of Destin employees, who were recognized for their efforts in the thankyou letter from Mississippi, worked to open a relief center in Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina, providing temporary housing, food, shelter, employment opportunities, etc. It was open through early 2006. The city of Destin also worked with Harvest House to set up a distribution center for food and clothing. It was a six-month effort in which the city worked with faith-based organizations, developer Peter Bos’ Legendary Inc. divisions, property owners and developers, such as Jay Odom and Rick Olson. “It was collective effort in which they all opened up their hearts and wallets as well,” Destin City Manager Greg Kisela said.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Destin Log, Fla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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