Biloxi, MS — At the September 3rd City Council meeting, Councilwoman Dixie Newman proposed a controversial measure to address the growing homelessness problem near the former Beauvoir Elementary School, suggesting a walking curfew in the area to cut back on crime and aggressive behavior. Newman pointed to the congregation of homeless individuals, including alleged sex offenders, as a reason for her suggestion, expressing concern for the safety of nearby families and children.
“Can we also clean up that Beauvoir school back there? Apparently, the homeless are also conjugating over there, and supposedly some sex offenders, and there’s kids out there,” Newman stated during the meeting. “Is it possible maybe even setting a walking curfew past 10 p.m. in that neighborhood to stop these aggressive homeless people walking around in these neighborhoods for safety as well? Maybe have police presence in the area.”
Her comments quickly ignited debate in the community, particularly in the Facebook group Biloxi Politics Uncensored. The group, known for hosting passionate discussions on local politics, saw a range of responses to Newman’s suggestion.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Some residents supported the idea of a curfew as a necessary step to protect the neighborhood from what they perceive as a rising threat. Bob Silvestro expressed his gratitude for Newman’s proposal, writing, “May God bless Dixie Newman for helping to save our lives and the lives of children in this neighborhood. Anyone who is against the curfew in our neighborhood is completely insane.”
Similarly, Emanuel Fenech echoed this sentiment, praising Newman’s courage in bringing up the issue. “I think Dixie’s suggestion was the most reasonable and the only suggestion made by any of the councilmen,” Fenech wrote. “Homeowners and business owners should not have to fear their surroundings when conducting daily routines. I applaud her for having a voice.”
However, others in the community strongly opposed the idea, citing concerns about civil liberties and questioning the legality of such a measure. Jarrod Lewis Fusco was one of the more vocal critics, arguing that a curfew would violate constitutional rights. “A curfew for grown adults, over the age of 18, to walk down the street? Let me know when, I’ll travel over there and walk up and down the street and I’ll take the arrest. I can use the cash payout. 100% a rights violation,” Fusco posted.
Fusco also pointed out that a curfew is typically only enforceable during emergencies such as natural disasters or riots, not ongoing issues like homelessness. “I get what you’re trying to do; violating rights ain’t the answer,” he added. “Any cop that would enforce such an Unconstitutional act deserves to be fired. Surely our Police Chief would never enforce this.”
Legal and Ethical Questions Arise
David Pennell also voiced skepticism about the curfew, suggesting that while homelessness in the area is a serious issue, a blanket curfew may not stand up in court. “An ongoing curfew in Biloxi for adults? Surely that will never pass a court challenge,” Pennell wrote. “There has to be another solution. It just seems like there are some less confrontational ways to solve this problem, including giving the police the power to enforce laws on loitering and protecting property.”
Pennell’s concerns reflect broader questions about the legality of imposing curfews in response to social issues rather than emergencies. Some community members suggested focusing on enforcing existing laws related to loitering or trespassing rather than implementing new measures that could infringe on personal freedoms.
Growing Homelessness Problem
The abandoned Beauvoir Elementary School has become a flashpoint for concerns about homelessness in Biloxi. Homeless encampments have grown in the densely wooded areas surrounding the school, with reports of theft, aggressive behavior, and even gun violence among the unhoused population. According to residents, these makeshift camps have spilled over into surrounding neighborhoods, further exacerbating tensions.
One local freelance journalist, Leo Carney, described visiting a nearby homeless encampment on Iris Street earlier this year. “The entire area looked like a landfill,” Carney reported. “Makeshift huts, butane canisters, old clothes, grocery baskets, and empty containers littered the muddy pathway.” Carney noted that some individuals living in the camps cited job loss, addiction, and the lack of affordable housing as contributing factors to their situation.
The debate over how to handle the homelessness issue in Biloxi, especially near Beauvoir Elementary, is far from simple. Councilwoman Newman’s suggestion of a walking curfew has struck a nerve. Supporters see it as a necessary move to protect the neighborhood and restore a sense of safety, while critics argue it could unfairly target the homeless and turn them into criminals for simply being in the area.
As residents and city officials wrestle with this tough problem, it’s unclear whether the curfew idea will move forward or if other solutions will emerge. For now, the community remains split, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
