Debris causes Miss. Beach Blvd. closure

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WALA) - The impact of Hurricane Isaac pounding coastal Mississippi has closed much of Beach Boulevard which runs along Harrison and Hancock County.

Officials said water rushed over the road, spreading sand and debris across all four lanes.

Photos: Boat, other debris cause road closures

The water also damaged Pass Harbor in Pass Christian where the restaurant Shaggy's Bar and Grill is located.

Officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for all boats docked in the harbor but owners of these didn’t heed the warning. They said dozens of boats are usually docked in the harbor at any time.

Bob Digiacomo has lived near the harbor for 15 years. Like many others stunned by the destruction, he came to take in the view.

Digiacomo said this isn’t the first time boats have been left to be thrown around during a storm.

“I guess no one suspected the water would get high enough. Regardless, they knew this will happen. Why couldn't they get their stuff out of there?” said Digiacomo.

Digiacomo said with the huge amount of water that rushed in, he’s just glad no homes were hit by the loose boats and no one got hurt.

“It’s gorgeous down here. We love it. But you have to understand it’s hurricane alley, and you have to be prepared and deal with what happens," Digiacomo said.

Officials said they won't know exactly how much damage was done to the harbor until they can inspect it.

They said the boat owners are responsible for getting their wrecked boats out of the harbor. If they don't, the city will dismantle and dispose of the boats.

Officials also said the owners of the boats will not be allowed back once Pass Harbor re-opens.