Jackson Free Press

What are services you need? What is open; what isn't? Where's the place to go for cheap with AC you can hang out a long time ? Is there a movie theatre with power that's open ?

Here's the blog to help each other be in-the-know about the Jackson area. Please help us keep it updated.

Previous Commentsshow

Casey mentioned to me earlier (in her quest for broadband) that McAllisters was open and doing brisk business. I assume she meant the one in Maywood Mart, although she may have meant the McAllisters in Flowood on Lakeland Drive. In any case, even if they're just serving up their iced tea it might be worth investigating...

Todd Stauffer

Aug 30 2005

Just got word from Terry that W.C. Don's is open tonight and planning bands for tomorrow night: we are open, cold air conditioning, hot rock and roll, late night food and plenty of it.Not to mention pool tables, ping pong, darts, big screen cable tv, etc. Wednesday night we have MY NEW HEADACHE MACHINE & MOONLIGHT TOWERS from Austin Tx.

Todd Stauffer

Aug 30 2005

I heard Hal & Mal's, Martin's and W.C. Dons are open. Dont know of any banks with money in the ATM's. I saw the Shoneys on high street open.

herman

Aug 31 2005

The Northpark Mall Theatre is open, and Northpark's food court.

herman

Aug 31 2005

Hal & Mal's - Open- we don't have a whole lot of food left - we sold just about everything yesterday and are waiting on deliveries from companies that are still struggling to operate - but we still have beer, some liquor, air conditioning & wireless Internet if you want to bring your laptop. Wednesday night - Reid & Patrick in the Red Room, Barry & Steve in the dining room. Thursday - Ladies' Night. Sanders Bohlke with the Jeff Johnson Band in the Red Room.

Charly

Aug 31 2005

Word has it that Cups Fondren is open again, as is Que Sera. Looks like El Ranchero is doing a brisk lunch right now.

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005

Also, all, any hints on gas stations that are open/have shorter lines? Please post whatever you know to help others out. What else is open that people need to know about, service-wise? Or closed?

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005

The Museum of Natural Science is open today for free, according to a call-in on MBP radio. They've got AC if you need to get out of the heat today during the day.

Todd Stauffer

Aug 31 2005

The Metro Chamber just sent a list of banks that are open today: Trustmark Bank Main Branch - Capitol Street, Battlefield, Clinton Blvd., Jackson Mall, Lakeland Drive, Northpark Mall, North State Drive-In, Pinehaven, Woodland Hills, Madison - Hwy 51, River Oaks, Crossgates, Richland, Pearl, Gloster, Hazlehurst, Wesson, Brookhaven - Main branch, Brookhaven Square, Meridian South & East. Turtle Creek Mall - Hattiesburg (Maybe today) BancorpSouth Jackson Main Office, Utica, Clinton, Lakeland Drive, McDowell Road, Pear Orchard, Madison - Main Branch, Richland - Hwy 49, Crossgates, Vicksburg-Hwy 61 North. Regions Bank Almost all branches in Central MS are currently planned to open tomorrow, September 1.† Mobile ATM is available today at the I-55 North Frontage Road location along with† ATM availability at many other locations. SouthTrust Bank One Jackson Place 188 E. Capitol Street, Suite 100 Jackson, MS 39201 601-948-1566 Ridgewood Court 6114 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211 601-503-1180 *Two more branches are to open Thursday, Sept. 1, but have not yet confirmed. † BankPlus Brandon 1864 Spillway Rd. Open Brandon Downtown 241 W. Government Open Brandon (Greenfield Rd.) 100 Orleans Way Open Canton 336 North Liberty Open Clinton 217 Clinton Blvd. Open Clinton (Springridge Rd.) 102 Johnston Place Open Flowood (Treetops) 2351 Lakeland Dr. Open Gluckstadt 1243 Gluckstadt Rd. Open - drive thru only Jackson Highland Bluff North 4450 Old Canton Rd. Open Jackson Landmark Center 175 East Capitol St. Open Madison 2020 Strawberry Hills Dr. Open Nissan Plant Office Open Pearl Walmart Open Ridgeland 740 Pear Orchard Open óóóó Thanks to the Chamber!

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005

Another from the Chamber: "Mr. Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines called Duane OíNeill, president, MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce, to confirm all Southwest flights are open to depart the Jackson-Evers International Airport. Mr. Kelleher announced Southwest Airlines will continue to do everything they can to help the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and area states that have been devastatingly affected by Hurricane Katrina."

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005

Chamber message #3: "The MetroJackson Chamber offices are currently open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you have any information about your company or area that needs to be shared to the community or any other questions about needed information, please call our offices at (601) 948-7575 or visit our website for daily up to date information at www.metrochamber.com .

DonnaLadd

Aug 31 2005

Browns Fine Art is hosting a reception still tomorrow night, even though ArtMix is cancelled. They'll have wine and beer, I think, with some normal art-y refreshments.

casey

Aug 31 2005

How are things around Toogaloo? I have a soldier in Korea worried about friend from there, and I'm thinking things are not bad there, right?

C.W.

Aug 31 2005

I don't know, C.W. We haven't gotten there, but I haven't heard anything bad, either, if that helps.

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Just in from Emily at the MetroCenter: Sears is open and selling generators and other hardware!

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

The Clarion Ledger seems to be updated their "Who Has Gas" section pretty well: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050901/NEWS0110/50831011

herman

Sep 1 2005

How is your power situation in Jackson? Are you still 75% out? I haven't heard that much about conditions in Jackson; it's hard to pay attention to the areas not hit as hard as the total disaster areas - it's so overwhelming. Yet, I know y'all are hurting as well. Phone to Jackson is reportedly very spotty even yet - the circuits are busy from what I've been told.

C.W.

Sep 1 2005

Chamber message #4: Cowboy Maloney Flowood Store Open. The Cowboy Maloney store in Flowood is now open. They have supplies of air conditioners, chain saws, and freezers. The I-55 and downtown locations are open, but have limited staff and no power. These two locations will be running on a cash only basis.

herman

Sep 1 2005

Large swaths of south Jackson are still without power. Can everyone please note that intersections with non-functioning traffic lights automatically become 4-way stops? Seems everyone forgets that.

Rex

Sep 1 2005

C.W., I don't think any of us JFP-ers have power at home, although we do here. We're packing in air mattresses to prepare for the long haul for our peeps who need to bunk here. We heard today that power may be out in Belhaven until Sept. 19, but I don't know how reliable that is. Again, rumors, and very little communication from the city. They're having some sort of briefing right not that Adam is at; maybe they'll finally start acting like they're running the capitol city of Mississippi that is doubling in population this week due to refugees. Thanks, Herman, for all the info. I do suggest people track the gas stuff at the CL link if they're updating it. We don't have the manpower to keep posting updates about gas, although I know it's important. However, any of you are welcome to post tips as you see them. Also, Rex, you might explain to people how four-way stops in Jackson work. Or stop signs, for that matter. Most people seem completely unaware from my experience, even before the storm. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Laurel Isbister performs TONIGHT (Thursday) in Fondren - FREE! She writes: even though the Art Mix had to be cancelled, Cups is open for business and I will be there tonight so come on by if you can. Hopefully my friend Scott Albert Johnson will sit in on some tunes.At Cups in Fondren (at Old Canton and Lakeland), tonight (Thursday, Sept. 1) 6 - 8 pm. Wishing everyone the best... -Laurel

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Point taken. But if truth be known, I'm still trying to get folks to visualize using turn signals...

Rex

Sep 1 2005

Ladd -- "maybe they'll finally start acting like they're running the capitol city of Mississippi that is doubling in population this week due to refugees." Finally, someone in the media has noted the ineptness!

K RHODES

Sep 1 2005

True, Rex, I couldn't believe how many people at intersections with lights out weren't using turn signals. Thus, other people didn't know if they could go straight or not. Grrr. People, now's the time: full stops, wait for your turn, use turn signals, hang up the friggin' cell phones. And slow down.

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Also, someone just asked if anyone knows where is a good place right now to buy battery-operated radios without having to drive all over. Please post if so. And the JFP could use another air mattress or two, should any of our good friends out there have any you can spare. Call me if so.

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Just in from Grady at Elixir: Hello Friends, Elixir has opened as of 5pm Thursday on a limited menu, but we do have power, cold air, cool cocktails and a comfortable place to rest your weary bones should you choose to search out a hot meal this week. The entire elixir family wishes you and yours a speedy recovery for damages you may have suffered in these trying times. Grady Griffin Elixir Restaurant & Bar LeFleur's Gallery 601-981-7896 www.elixirms.com

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Clarion-Ledger is reporting that area banks are trying to help cash checks for non-customers: Some metro-area banks are offering to cash checks for non-customers from areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Non-customers are encouraged to use a debit card at an ATM and to get cash back when they use a debit card or credit card. Customers of Hancock Bank and The Peoples Bank, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast but which have no branches in the metro area, are among those effected. BankPlus has had many Hancock Bank customers ask to cash checks, said David Dumeyer, spokesman for BankPlus. "We're taking them on a case-by-case basis," he said. "In most cases, you would be able to contact the bank and see if the funds are there, but we can't" Dumeyer said. AmSouth is also working with people that aren't customers. "We are cashing checks up to $300 for non-customers who have proper identification," said Rick Swagler, spokesman for AmSouth Bank. Read more at link.

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

Mississippi Dry Ice & Carbonation on Greenway Drive is selling 50-lb bags of dry ice for about $25 plus tax. They're not selling other sizes, and you can only buy one bag at a time. I don't know their hours, but their number is 601-922-0539.

LatashaWillis

Sep 1 2005

How are things around Toogaloo? I have a soldier in Korea worried about friend from there, and I'm thinking things are not bad there, right? The only thing I heard about Tougaloo was West County Line being blocked by trees. As for the campus itself, I am sure they are fine. The staff has always been pretty good with logistics in times of crisis. Even though I'm from Jackson, I stayed on campus there since I had a scholarship. There was an ice storm around in March of '96 (senior year), and the housing department was constantly checking on everyone and taking care of minor crises, such as when our dorm director got stuck in the elevator during a blackout. The cafeteria ran as usal, and they always had hot chocolate available. Maybe we need to send them to New Orleans!

LatashaWillis

Sep 1 2005

hullo, little tokyo in ridgeland is open 11-2 & 5-930 . good time deli & beagle bagle are keeping regular hours too since tuesday, pan asia & little tokyo #1 in jax opened up today, thursday. the bp had one pump open this morning with a waiting line over 2 blocks long. word is they expect more gas fri or sat. colonial mart shell on old canton manager said they have gas but no electric to pump it as of 5:00 wed. sams club gas was selling all today, the line went from the pump across county line road to the shoneys on ridgewood!!! 1.5 hours wait, & they turned away anyone w/ out a sams card or an out of date one... www.jacksongasprices.com has an interesting search feature for prices & i expect members will post any gas stations that open there as well.

pepper

Sep 1 2005

[These are some good peeps] Message from Jeff and Dan tonight: We have been most fortunate to have power restored to both BRAVO! and Broad Street on Wednesday. After two full days without power, Dan, Jeff and staff completely emptied and disposed of all perishable food products throughout the expanse of coolers and freezers in our restaurants. With the help of our vendors (thank you Sysco Food Service and Adams Produce!) we have refilled our pantries and have spent the last 15 hours prepping all of our products from scratch. MOST fortunate for us is the fact that our production bakery, located in the back of the Cabot Lodge Millsaps, never lost power. So, we were able to keep the bread starters alive and fed, and waiting for the restaurantsí reopening. And that is what will happen tomorrow morning (Friday) at 7 a.m. at Broad Street in Banner Hall and at 11 a.m. at BRAVO! in Highland Village. We have made provisions to meet the boiled water notice with special high-temp coffee production and bottled soft drinks and water supplyÖ so we are ready. Now, if you need a place to pick up free wireless internet (thank you Air2LAN!) come to Broad Street. This is a most important thing for portable PC users who have no power at home. And for out of town house guests needing access to information concerning conditions back home. Our restaurant is your oasisÖ. please accept our hospitality and use our network. And here is a little known secretÖ even BRAVO! has wireless Air2LAN access as wellÖ again, feel free to use our lounge or a corner table to do your business. We are here for you. A final commentÖ this perhaps the most trying time in Mississippiís historyÖ and certainly for our hometown of Jackson. Gas rationing, no power at our homes, a boil water alertÖ all are building tension and stress. We are rushing to open our restaurants in an effort to provide a place for our workers to come back to work and a place for our guests to get a rest from the craziness. We will strive to provide as much of the Broad Street and BRAVO! experience as we can, given the daunting conditions we are working under. To this end, please know that we will be preaching a gospel of patience, love and understanding to our staff as we work through this ordeal. We will be especially considerate of our displaced refugee guests, who have lost so much. We want to provide some semblance of structure and order and normality, and we will work very hard to do thisÖ for all of us. Finally, at the end of each day, we will send our leftovers directly down to the Mississippi Trade Mart in order to help feed the folks staying in the fairgrounds complex. We would urge you all to consider taking toys, books, blankets, clothesÖ whatever to these displaced disenfranchised folks. Letís show them that Jackson is truly all about Celebrating the Human SpiritÖ - Jeff Good, Dan Blumenthal and the staff of Broad Street Baking Company and BRAVO! Italian Restaurant.

DonnaLadd

Sep 1 2005

thanks, L.W. - passed that message on. I'm sure it's being in Korea and in the service, unable to know what's really going on stateside, that fueled this young man's fears.

C.W.

Sep 1 2005

Last night, I heard that Melton has ordered that bus fares are suspended for all who need to use city bus services. No fares will be charged. Good move from Melton.

Towanda

Sep 2 2005

So many of you have called and wanted to know, so we are sending this out. If you have power, you will get thisÖ if not, we hope word-of-mouth will catch up with you. We have been most fortunate to have power restored to both BRAVO! and Broad Street on Wednesday. After two full days without power, Dan, Jeff and staff completely emptied and disposed of all perishable food products throughout the expanse of coolers and freezers in our restaurants. With the help of our vendors (thank you Sysco Food Service and Adams Produce!) we have refilled our pantries and have spent the last 15 hours prepping all of our products from scratch. MOST fortunate for us is the fact that our production bakery, located in the back of the Cabot Lodge Millsaps, never lost power. So, we were able to keep the bread starters alive and fed, and waiting for the restaurantsí reopening. And that is what will happen tomorrow morning (Friday) at 7 a.m. at Broad Street in Banner Hall and at 11 a.m. at BRAVO! in Highland Village. We have made provisions to meet the boiled water notice with special high-temp coffee production and bottled soft drinks and water supplyÖ so we are ready. Now, if you need a place to pick up free wireless internet (thank you Air2LAN!) come to Broad Street. This is a most important thing for portable PC users who have no power at home. And for out of town house guests needing access to information concerning conditions back home. Our restaurant is your oasisÖ. please accept our hospitality and use our network. And here is a little known secretÖ even BRAVO! has wireless Air2LAN access as wellÖ again, feel free to use our lounge or a corner table to do your business. We are here for you. A final commentÖ this perhaps the most trying time in Mississippiís historyÖ and certainly for our hometown of Jackson. Gas rationing, no power at our homes, a boil water alertÖ all are building tension and stress. We are rushing to open our restaurants in an effort to provide a place for our workers to come back to work and a place for our guests to get a rest from the craziness. We will strive to provide as much of the Broad Street and BRAVO! experience as we can, given the daunting conditions we are working under. To this end, please know that we will be preaching a gospel of patience, love and understanding to our staff as we work through this ordeal. We will be especially considerate of our displaced refugee guests, who have lost so much. We want to provide some semblance of structure and order and normality, and we will work very hard to do thisÖ for all of us. Finally, at the end of each day, we will send our leftovers directly down to the Mississippi Trade Mart in order to help feed the folks staying in the fairgrounds complex. We would urge you all to consider taking toys, books, blankets, clothesÖ whatever to these displaced disenfranchised folks. Letís show them that Jackson is truly all about Celebrating the Human SpiritÖ - Jeff Good, Dan Blumenthal and the staff of Broad Street Baking Company and BRAVO! Italian Restaurant.

Jeff Good

Sep 2 2005

Donna, Please start a category just for gasoline availability. It's too confusing to try to sort through all of the varying postings about what's open. Thanks for your great coverage and help!

Towanda

Sep 2 2005

John Lawrence from Downtown Partners reports in: Most Downtown restaurants have been open for lunch and many are > serving dinner. As the holiday weekend approaches and food > supplies run low, some are shutting down but others will still try > to provide a cool spot within walking distance of many hotel rooms > and the coliseum shelter. Check www.itsdowntown.com for updates.

DonnaLadd

Sep 2 2005

The power is back on at the Crisis Line. They help people > at odds with their lot and have been doing it via candle light. I > will be teaching the class at the Pearl Library on Jazz > Appreciation beginning Sept 8 and for four Thursday evienings > starting at 6:30. The birthplace of jazz is at risk and for the one > art form developed in our country I think jazz is > important. ..........john (Someone please post Crisis Line number; bit overwhelmed here getting through e-mail.) BTW, Towanda, will do on the gas thread.

DonnaLadd

Sep 2 2005

Great, Donna. Thanks!

Towanda

Sep 2 2005

Y'all are doing a great job here!

tortoise

Sep 2 2005

We're trying, tortoise, considering there is little of use coming from the city.

DonnaLadd

Sep 2 2005

From the Chamber of Commerce...(verbatim) New Openings in Metro Area Cowboy Maloney stores in Flowood, Harding Street, and I-55 are now fully operational. They have supplies of air conditioners, chain saws, and freezers. The Ellis Avenue location still has limited staff and no power. ATMOS Energy - Emergency Number # 1-800-222-7676 Customer Service # 800-863-7749 Fairview Inn - current has few rooms available, call (601) 948-3429 for more information. Sportsman's Lodge is currently available for business - call (601) 366-5441. Synergetics' in Flowood - Now open to help businesses who are getting power, but they are having trouble with their computer network. Call (601) 420-3477 for more information. Broadstreet & BRAVO! Baking Company are now open for business. For more information, call (601) 982-8111.

Todd Stauffer

Sep 2 2005

Is any one organxing a fundraiser or something?

Kristina

Sep 2 2005

Tribal Nights was cancelled. We have been unable to get in touch with Aladdin's Grill as well as some of the group is still without power and gas!

Kristina

Sep 2 2005

Yes, Kristina, we're working with Kamikaze and the MAP Coalition right now on a fund raiser. And we're probably going to turn our JFP Art Show/birthday celebration into a fund raiser. More details soon. Let us know if anyone out there wants to help with one or both of these events. All of a sudden, we're busier than ever over here and can use all the help we can get. And we welcome creative New Orleanians and other evacuees who want to hang out and help with some of these events. Just call me, and we'll find you something to do: 601.362.6121 ext. 5. Also, if you're a band and want to volunteer, write [email]kamikaze601@hotmail.com[/email] .

DonnaLadd

Sep 2 2005

Elixir open for hot meals all weekend! Elixir wants to everyone to know that we have been fortunate to have power restored and are open for "normal" business Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm until. Since there are still so many people without power, Elixir is offering 25% off all food purchases Friday and Saturday. Elixir will also be open from 5p until 10p Sunday and Monday, offering a $12 New Orleans style buffet in honor of our favorite culinary city, so come enjoy a Sunday dinner and/or Labor Day cookout with Elixir this holiday weekend.

herman

Sep 3 2005

Red Hot & Blue is now open.

herman

Sep 3 2005

Sears at Metrocenter Mall has received a shipment of 250 generators and are expecting another shipment before the end of the day. Metrocenter Mall hours are 10-6 Saturday and 1-6 Sunday.

emilyb

Sep 3 2005

Emily, what are the cost range of the generators if you know? It'd be good if people know if they can afford them before coming over. Also, we got our power on our street in Belhaven back last night. But streets without us were still without power.

DonnaLadd

Sep 3 2005

Good question Donna, and I can answer what I know. The most recent information I received was that the generators are $699. I'm unsure if the newest shipment are the same make/model/price. I am also unsure of the size.

emilyb

Sep 3 2005

Ridgeland just imposed a curfew from 10pm to 5 a.m. Is there a curfew in Jackson? What hours? Thanks

Towanda

Sep 3 2005

Towanda, the curfew in Jackson was from midnight to 6 AM. I don't know if it is still being enforced.

LatashaWillis

Sep 3 2005

I wrote about this in a different thread. The city told us yesterday that the curfew is not enforceable -- at least the one for adults and businesses. It's more like they prefer people to be off the streets during those hours.

DonnaLadd

Sep 3 2005

People are really rallying throughout the country to provide temporary housing for hurricane victims: http://neworleans.craigslist.org/hhh/ I've never seen anything like this.

LatashaWillis

Sep 3 2005

That's beautiful. Thanks, L.W. Everyone, please feel free to use our free Katrina classifieds for a more local (or not) version of this. It just went live last night.

DonnaLadd

Sep 3 2005

Ah, you have one, too! Thank you. There are a number of sites, but the Red Cross has opened a better organized site than they had, so I hope people are registering there as well as checking the various lists. Try all of them (and I'll add yours now, too) I'm OK line and a lot of info about different areas 1-866-453-1925 http://eyesonkatrina.blogspot.com/ Find Family from Katrina http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findfamilyfromkatrina/ Another survivor site http://hurricanekatrinasurvivors.com/ CNN Safe List http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/ Craig's List - more info on damaged areas and people http://neworleans.craigslist.org/about/help/katrina_cl.html Gulf Coast News Survivor's List http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/ Hurricane information at U of Lousiana at Monroe http://www.ulm.edu/katrina/ National Next of Kin Registry http://nokr.org/nok/restricted/home.htm Salvation Army link for locating family http://qso.com/satern/emailfrm.htm Sun Herald Message Board for Katrina http://forums.sunherald.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=kr-biloxkatrina Times-Picayune http://www.nola.com/forums/searching/index.ssf?initial=true

C.W.

Sep 3 2005

Rats! Forgot the most important one, the Red Cross registry: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina/locate

C.W.

Sep 3 2005

From Fenian's: Thankfully, we now have power but it is too late in the week to re-open so we will be opening on Labor day (with a limited food menu). Currently, beyond cancelling all entertainment for the previous week, I only have one change in the month of September and that is the cancellation of Dead End Children's Charity Soul Band on Friday, September 30th, 2005, as Alex informed me that they have broken up as a band. It is a shame as they were extremely good and my favorite local(ish) band. I will try and book another jam band in their place such as Circus of the Seed or something but have not had time to contact any of their members yet. All entertainment for the current week, including our sponsorship of CelticFest MS will go ahead as planned and CelticFest has informed me that they are still going to go on as normally as possible. Sincerely, Damon Hogben. Fenian's G.M.

herman

Sep 4 2005

If you are having trouble finding something open now, or getting gas, drive a few blocks. I haven't seen a line at a gas station since Saturday. There are some stations that don't have gas. But finding places open, water, ice, or gas should not be a problem anymore.

herman

Sep 6 2005