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Biloxi Greenlights Black Marlin Casino Despite Community Backlash Over Tree Removal

By jili tutorial · October 9, 2026

Biloxi Greenlights Black Marlin Casino Despite Community Backlash Over Tree Removal

Council Approves Contested Zoning Changes

The Biloxi City Council voted 5-1 on October 6 to approve zoning changes that pave the way for the proposed Black Marlin Casino development along Mississippi’s waterfront. The decision affects seven parcels near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Veterans Avenue, removing local regulatory barriers for the $3 million project.

Key provisions in the approval:

The Great Tree Debate

The approval came despite vocal opposition from residents concerned about losing mature trees that define the area’s coastal character. Protesters carrying “Save Our Trees” signs packed the council meeting, urging officials to reconsider.

Tree Health Findings:

An arborist’s assessment presented to officials showed:

ConditionNumber of Trees
Poor18
Fair7
Good3

“These trees have watched over our community for generations,” local teacher Diane Robichaux told the council. “Once they’re gone, we can’t get that living history back.”

Project Details and Developer Concessions

Property Specifications:

Developer RW Development, led by local businessman Ray Wooldridge in partnership with Kentucky-based Encompass, made last-minute adjustments to preserve more trees after community pushback.

“While we’ve already modified plans to save additional trees and explore relocating some specimens, we recognize this remains an emotional issue,” said project architect Michael Durante during the hearing.

Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

Key Deadlines:

The project also faces competition from the Tullis Gardens Hotel and Casino proposal, which received site approval in June but remains entangled in legal battles over waterfront property rights.

Environmental Mitigation Requirements

To offset the tree removal, developers must fulfill one of these options:

  1. Plant 209 new trees on-site
  2. Contribute to Biloxi’s municipal tree fund
  3. A combination of both approaches

Councilmember Sarah Williamson, the sole dissenting vote, argued, “While I appreciate the mitigation efforts, we should exhaust every option to preserve our mature tree canopy rather than treating it as a line item to be replaced.”

The decision highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental preservation in coastal communities experiencing casino-driven growth.