As of June 25th

Horn Island is one of many barrier islands off the Mississippi Gulf Coast (just a 10-minute boat ride from Pascagoula Beach). It is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and is a favorite boating destination for those living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Horn Island has long stretches of sugar-white sand, dunes punctuated with sea oats, tall pines on small groves, and a few inland lagoons. It is home to varied wildlife including alligators, ospreys, pelicans, ducks, tern, herons, and other migratory birds. The Sound and the Gulf host innumerable species of sea life.

But this is what it looks like today ~







My sister just sent me these pictures. It's heartbreaking ~


The barrier islands play a big part in protecting the Ms. Gulf beaches, but it's sure to eventually make its way there, if it hasn't already. Its already made its way to the beautiful white beaches of Pensacola, and on down the line it will go. They've lost this years tourism season. What about next year? It's pretty scary if you live on the Gulf Coast and your livelihood depends on tourism and fishing. For most folks down there, this is reality for them.