This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

THE SEA COAST ECHO • BRIDGES OVER THE BAY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007 - 11
'AGams
//
FLOWER SHOP
Est. 1902
The Coast's Leading Florist
Flowers for every occasion 313 Ulman Ave.
Bay St. Louis, MS. 467-6507
//
Si
• -T - '<	:	'	-	"
;Wa
SUITE
INC
We have the perfect gift for moms of all ages
WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE & ACCESSORIES
Sizes: 0-16
Karlie • Velvet Cottage Clothing Isda • Kenzie Maggie London Dresses
Gwen Meyers,owner
W4 y ,
228-463-0747
833suitea@bellsouth.net
Echo file photo by Geoff Belcher
On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped entire sections from the bridge over the Bay of St. Louis, effectively separating the Coast until tomorrow.
2 for 1 Membership
Limited to the First 50 Members.
First Time Guests Only. Must be 21 years or older. One Year Contracts Required.
Limited time offer. No other discounts allowed with this offer. Some restrictions apply.
1
FREE Group Exercise, Aerobic & Yoga Classes with Membership Hammer Strength® and LifeFitness® Strength Equipment Licensed & Certified Sports Massage • Pro Shop and Healthy Snack Area Private Showers & Steam Rooms • Certified Personal Trainers Large Clean Locker Rooms
HAMMER
STRENGTH
MY ST. LOUIS, MS
228-469-0057
546 St. John Street • Bay St Louis, MS * www.baycitygym.com
Hurricane Katrina tore them from the pilings and laid them down inverted on the bottom of the Bay.
In the days following Katrina, word soon got out that the only place to get a cell phone signal was at the foot of the bridge. As hundreds of residents flocked to the beach front to attempt to contact relatives and loved ones, the stark reality of Katrina's power was looking them dead in the eye.
The bridge was gone and only the concrete pilings remained. As many locals stood in shock, the surreal setting would become etched into their collective memories forever.
Not only were we the victims of one of the greatest natural disasters in American history, but in less than eight hours, 52
years of history, hard work, and our connection with the rest of the Gulf Coast was swept away like a McDonald's hamburger wrapper on a windy day.
Within six months of Katrina, state and local officials began formulating plans on rebuilding a new Bay Bridge.
On Jan. 26,2006, state and federal officials toured what was left of the Bay Bridge and the newly constructed CSX train bridge.
As the group toured the area of the Bay St. Louis highway bridge, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said he could not help but notice the amount of damage that Hurricane Katrina caused.
"Looking at how that
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14