Biloxi, Mississippi is suffering from both an image and a perception problem.

The image problem relates to New Orleans, such a forlorn place since Hurricane Katrina flooded the grand old city in August and September of 2005. All you hear from New Orleans is finger-pointing and belly-aching.

You don’t hear much complaining going on in Biloxi and envrions. From Biloxi west to Bay St. Louis, the people are quietly going about the business of getting life back to normal. But, all the noise coming from New Orleans tends to make people paint Katrina victims with a broad brush.

Too bad, because people here in coastal Mississippi should be an inspiration to all those who have been devastated by natural disasters.

The perception problem is just as complicated. Biloxi is back in business, but the fallout from Katrina still lingers. Since bad news sells, most people don’t hear from the media about the good things going on.

The area still has its problems, and quite a few businesses have closed and many residents have left for good.

But, there is enough going on here to justify the same kind of visits people have always enjoyed in Biloxi. Shops are open, restaurants and hotels – they’re all here. And, of course, the casinos are back up and running.

And, here’s the strange thing – many of the golf courses are in better shape than ever. I’ve had a number of head pros tell me that on a current visit here, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

The situation isn’t without irony; a large part of the improved conditions, particularly involving the greens, is that fewer visitors means less wear and tear.

So if you’ve been contemplating a visit to the area, but unsure about conditions, be advised: There are rooms to stay in, particularly in the casinos, and the golf courses are probably in better shape than you remember from your last visit.

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