Waves of Change: Coastal Mississippi's Story of Hope and Growth

Twenty years ago, Coastal Mississippi braced for the impact of Hurricane Katrina, one of the largest and most devastating storms in our nation's history. Homes, businesses, and memories were washed away, and precious lives were lost along our Coast. Since then, Hurricane Katrina has become a descriptive marker in our timeline: Before Katrina and After Katrina. 

Before the storm, the Mississippi Gulf Coast was a booming region, filled with casinos, restaurants, and fun activities for families. After a vigorous fight to get back to what we once were, Coastal Mississippi has once again become a premier destination for travelers to explore and for locals to fall back in love with years later. Now, the Coast stands stronger than ever with no sign of slowing down. 

Remembering the Storm 

With 120 mph winds and a 27-foot storm surge, Katrina gave the Gulf Coast all its might. Devastation rained down on the southern United States, with damage spanning from the Gulf all the way to Canada. While most people remember the horrific destruction the states of Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida incurred, the Coast's central location in the storm’s trajectory has often been overlooked. As the eyewall passed directly over Coastal Mississippi, storm surge wrought the area, traveling up to twelve miles inland. An afterthought by the masses, Mississippi residents know the truth that was Hurricane Katrina...a storm that perhaps was the biggest trial they would face in their lifetime. 

Rebuilding: A Journey 

After the storm hit, residents buckled up for the fight of their lives – rebuilding what was once their home. It would be a challenge, but Coastal Mississippi locals proved time and again to be resilient. With help from disaster relief crews near and far, it was time to hit the ground running to repair, rebuild, and reimagine what the new normal would be along the Coast. 

Growth & Transformation 

In the years since the storm, Coastal Mississippi has grown tremendously, bringing in new casinos, attractions, and restaurants – and rebuilding much of what already stood before Katrina. 

While a handful of casinos were unable to be rebuilt after the storm, some still stand today. While the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino suffered damage to the first and second floors, Hard Rock had yet to be opened to the public when the storm rolled through, pushing the opening back by almost two years. Treasure Bay Casino, IP Casino Resort Spa, Palace Casino, and Boomtown Casino also withstood Katrina and are still in business today. Since 2005, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Hollywood Casino, Island View Casino, Silver Slipper Casino, Golden Nugget Biloxi, and Scarlet Pearl Casino have opened their doors to Coastal Mississippi, making the Coast a premier gaming destination once again. 

Plenty of delicious Coastal staples were lost in time after the storm, but since then, we have become a haven for chefs and foodies alike. The Coast is now home to several award-winning chefs and restaurants. Chef Austin Sumrall of White Pillars Restaurant & Lounge and Siren Social Club is a two-time James beard semi-finalist. Vestige, an Ocean Springs staple, is a James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Finalist along with its chef, Alex Perry, who was Best Chef South finalist in 2023. The awards and accolades handed out to Coastal Mississippi restaurants are endless and well-deserved, making our destination a culinary paradise. 

Businesses were forced to rebuild – some who never got the chance to open their doors before the storm made landfall. Construction on the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s present location began in 2004, but the museum did not open until late 2010. Marine Life in Gulfport was decimated by the storm; however, Ocean Adventures Marine Park was established in its place. Today, new top attractions like Mississippi Aquarium, TrainTastic, Paradise Pier, and so many more lure visitors to the Coast for fun and adventure.  

A Coast Like No Other 

Coast residents value community, tradition, and progress. It is because of these values that our destination – our home – has been able to rise from the destruction that was Hurricane Katrina and rebuild what was lost. Thanks to the strength and resilience of those who live here, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has grown beyond what we could have ever imagined. And we’re not done yet! 

Experience Coastal Mississippi for yourself – a region where resilience meets renewal, and our future shines as brightly as the Gulf waters. We can’t wait to welcome you!