Waveland Mayor Tommy Longo says that his city was cut off from the world, with virtually every city resource lost to Katrina’s floodwaters.
WAVELAND, Miss. -- A stint as a mental health therapist might seem a strange stop on the way to a career in City Hall, but it just might have been the perfect preparation for dealing with a disaster like the one facing Waveland Mayor Tommy Longo.
For the 47-year-old Longo, dealing with frustration has been the key to keeping his sanity since Hurricane Katrina slammed his town, leveling virtually every home and business on the gulf side of the railroad tracks that bisect Waveland, and leaving most other buildings uninhabitable.
"I guess I … lost my cool a couple of times – once with the governor and once with the president’s staff," he said in an interview in his makeshift office atop the city sewage treatment plant. "But it was because of the stress."
The stress, he said, sprang from wanting to help his people in the immediate aftermath of the storm, but not having any way of doing so, with virtually every vehicle and piece of equipment owned by the city either swept away or left inoperable.
"It was having a task and knowing what to do and having the people capable to do it, just not having the resources to do it, whether it be vehicles, or parts, or pipe, material, even sand or clay," he said. "… My God, we’d have given anything for a golf cart at the time."
Adding to his stress level was the loss of his home and the fact that his family, including his injured wife, Marcia, was stuck in the devastated city.
"I didn’t get my family out of here until three days after the hurricane and my wife had a broken wrist and a broken cheekbone," he said, noticeably limping around his office as the result of knee-replacement surgery shortly before Katrina hit.
"… And I’ve got five kids … and they’d set off on their trek every day – it broke my heart – but they’d leave here and walk out to the highway every day to get ice and water and food and stuff. And it was just no place for a kid to be. It was no place for anybody to be if they didn’t have to be."
Longo, who has since sent his family to stay with relatives in Maine, knows something about places where kids shouldn’t be.
He is a son of former Waveland Mayor John Longo Jr., who was in office in 1969 when Hurricane Camille smashed into the city. The younger Longo took office seven years ago, after his predecessor became too ill to serve out his term.
Though Longo said the challenge of dealing with the destruction of much of Waveland has at times been overwhelming, he and the other city officials have made it through by setting small, achievable steps aimed at boosting the morale of the townspeople.
"Folks just needed anything that … was positive, that showed progress," he said. "We cleaned off the church; we pushed all the debris and things off the church and we started having church (services) the week after the hurricane on the slab."
Longo also noted with pride that the town already has taken its first step in the rebuilding process by attracting a Lowe’s home improvement store.
"Lowe’s had called … (to) give me their condolences … and I called and said if you want to do something for our community … open a store," he said.
The company agreed, and a ground-breaking ceremony was held in early October, although construction won’t begin until the city can set up temporary housing to accommodate the workers.
The Lowe’s deal and slow but steady progress in restoring utilities and cleaning up the sea of debris from the storm are just the first signs of Waveland’s recovery, Longo said, predicting that the building of "a model community from scratch" will occur much faster than most observers believe.
"In some ways we’re way ahead of the expectations of FEMA and the state," he said. "And I had told them early on, ‘You all are underestimating us. … We’re very resilient and very resourceful. And given just a hand, we’ll be way ahead of where you think’"
Eddie Favre: Bay St. Louis' quiet mayor
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As a native of Waveland it breaks my heart to hear of the problems still being faced by those who are brave enough to "tough it out". We were in Bay St Louis during the storm and had to get out 3 days later to get medical help. We want all of our friends to know how much we miss them and how much we wish we could be there with you. Hang in there. Some of our family is still there. All of you are in our prayers and thoughts daily.
Al & Linda Von Antz, Tampa, FL (Sent Dec 1, 2005 1:12:41 PM)
Seasons Greetings to the citizens of Hancock County! My name is Dave Wilson and I had the Privilege of being the Deputy Team Commander in charge of operations for the Federal DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Teams) (MO-1, IA-1 & FL-1) that responded in the days following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina. We setup Medical Operations on the grounds of the Hancock County Medical Center and treated over 4000 patients in the following month prior to being relived by the MS. Air Guard EMED Unit. Please know that our thoughts are with you all during your long recovery period, especially during this holiday season. Also, please be considerate of your elected local officials. I had the pleasure of working many of the local officials including the mayors of BSL & Waveland. I felt they had the best of intentions and clearly worked tirelessly for your communities. They have my respect and certainly deserve it. I would hope they would have your support during this long and difficult process of recovery process. They do not have an envyable job. Sincerly, Dave
Dave Wilson Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Dec 12, 2005 2:59:18 PM)
First I want to THANK ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME TO HELP US. You will never know exactly how much your assistance has meant to everyone here.
I have been a lifelong resident of Waveland. In my opinion, the Greatest Little City in the World. I know Tommy Longo and have most of my life. I am not going to be a part of the Mayor bashing that is taking place here. I will however say that whether it be local officials (City or County), State or Federal, with the exceptions of Gene Taylor and Trent Lott, I see almost nothing being done to help in the rebuilding process other than finger pointing. Hey I can point fingers, but what is it going to accomplish? We all need help and need it now or that rush of air you hear will be the locals leaving town for good. As it appears now, I will not be in Waveland much longer. I will have the memories of The Greatest Little City in The World, but it will be only that, memories.
Tommy Holzhauser, II Waveland, MS (Sent Dec 13, 2005 10:04:12 AM)
Dear Tommy, What a job, to be mayor of a city that is practically gone. As bad as the Bay is, ya'll have it worse. But...it will get better, and you are there, and we need all the wonderful help we are getting from everybody all over the country, and one day we will be able to reciprocate. It's a lot harder to accept help than to give it, no? Hope your family is well, and you know, you have to get away once in a while to maintain your sanity. Good Luck, Pam West
Pam West, Bay St. Louis, MS (Sent Dec 21, 2005 6:52:09 PM)
I am praying for all the people of Waveland. Those still in the area, and those far away. May God bless and guide you through this immense situation, one day at a time. It is so hard to see and believe that everything is gone. The house I grew up in was on the beach, almost in Waveland, like all the rest, it is gone. I pray that Waveland is able to pull together and plan together what is the wisest way to proceed. It is staggering to face it from far away, how much more, to face it every day. I understand that people need to have direction and progress, and a plan. I hope you all can find a good way to begin and to keep on going. May God bless and lead you all.
Laurie, CO (Sent Dec 22, 2005 12:19:50 AM)
This note is to Eugene of November. It is people that control the environment not the abodes. I lived in a trailer park for 13 years in Md. and it was a quiet, dignified place. The people owned the house(trailer) but not the land or oil supply.The lessor of the property insisted on certain standards and they were kept. It's people that matter not property. Proper control with law enforcement can make poor things better. Try a real Depression to build character.
Bob Sr.
Robert Moseley Sr Pr. Fred. Md. (Sent Jan 6, 2006 2:48:09 PM)
To The Pople of Waveland: You have all been deep in my thoughts and prayers. I vacationed there last July after taking my grand daught back home to Waveland. I spent a lot of time on the Gulf seeing God's beauty,I thank God every day that my family and the wonderful people that I know are safe.
My son-in-law stayed behing to help with the rebuilding of Waveland. He is there now, Steven Kenny. Father Sabastion, of St Rose can tell you how to reach him. If he is unable to help right now, he may know some one else that can. My heart goes out to you all. I know first hand how much you have all lost. Know that it will be better
Jacqueline Campbell, Va. (Sent Jan 13, 2006 3:57:37 PM)
Hey Waveland. I really miss ya'll. I was born in St Bernard Parish and raised there during the school year. The day we got out of school, we would pack up the camper and spend the entire summer at Buccaneer. I'm 34 now and have been doing that since '73. Then in the mid 90's my parents bought some land and built a house on Favre Street. It was beautiful. I don't know where I want to live now. Can't live in my house in St Bernard because of the oil and my second home of Waveland is gone too. The only two places I've loved to be. Where I felt comfortable and everyone was a friend. As you rebuild your homes and your lives, please know that I've had you all in my prayers since day one and you will be there forever.
Dayna Yetter, St. Bernard/Waveland (Sent Jan 20, 2006 11:36:11 PM)
Hello I am looking for the people who helped out down at the school building they unloaded trucks of water and supplies one couple we are looking for had a buisness in waveland they lost there house but there buisness building was still there my wife and i were there with a truck load of water the day the military arrived anyone got a idea about who i am speaking of please write me back..johncz@hotmail.com
John Cantrell Indianapolis , Indiana (Sent Jan 27, 2006 3:19:15 PM)
THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI AS A WHOLE HAVE PULLED TOGETHER ALONG WITH COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO HELP OUR RUINED COAST. THE MEMBERS OF MANY OUT OF AREA CHURCHES HAVE FEED, CLOTHED AND COUNCILED MANY. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THESE PEOPLE, THE STATE AS A WHOLE WOULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE OFF.WE STILL NEED TO REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR OUR COAST AS THEY ARE ALL STILL DEALING WITH LARGE HARDSHIPS AND LOSS. AND WHY AREN'T MORE OF THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FEMA TRAILERS BEING STORED IN PURVIS,MS BEING GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL LIVING IN CONDITIONS THAT SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED IN THIS UNITED STATES. FORGET THE RED TAPE AND PAPER WORK. IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO LIVE AND HAVE LOST EVERYTHING YOU HAD, YOU DESERVE A PLACE TO LIVE BETTER THAN A TENT OF MAKE SHIFT SHELTER. THIS IS A STATE AND COUNTRY IN THE MODERN AGE. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY WHEN WE CAN'T TAKE BETTER CARE OF OUR OWN!
MARY, HATTIESBURG,MS (Sent Jan 27, 2006 3:52:07 PM)
A group of 12 of us from Wauseon Ohio went to Waveland in December to do a Christmas cheer charity. I was so glad to be a part of that trip. I could not hardly believe the damage that was done. I am returning in June with a group of around 30 to do whatever we can do to help. We plan to do roofing,drywalling, painting, clean up, whatever we can. We have not made accomdations as of yet, hopefully we will have this taking care of in the near future. I have talked to Tommy Longo a couple of times in the last 2 weeks.I am sure there are people who need help everyday for a long time to come. We are coming, May Gods peace be with you.
Rick Gleckler Wauseon, Oh. (Sent Mar 24, 2006 5:55:47 PM)
I met Tommy Longo at the Ms. Rural Water Convention in Jackson, MS. last week. He seems to be a very capable yet humble guy. He gave a speech concerning the ordeal his city went through, it would have wrenched the hardest of hearts. Though he was hailed as a hero by the one introducing him, he gave all the credit to his public works director. If only we had more people like Tommy and the people that work with him cities across the country would be better off. Cheers to all the men and women of the gulf coast that have struggled in the face of this catastrophe, and thanks to all those from across the country that rushed to help.
V. Wilson Oxford, MS. (Sent Apr 7, 2006 4:08:42 PM)
MR.MAYOR
I WAS HONORED TO BE DEPLOYED TO YOUR AREA WITH THE NC CISM TEAM. I NEVER FORGET THE DAMAGE TO THAT BEAUTIFUL AREA, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE HEART AND SPIRIT OF YOUR PEOPLE. I HOPE TO RETURN AGAIN.
JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN
DONNA HAMMOND,ADR FIRE-RESCUE,RIEGELWOOD NC (Sent May 26, 2006 1:25:23 AM)
I hope that now, many months after this tragedy, our government officials have gotten smarter about impending disasters and their effects. So many lives effected in many ways. I myself as an American was very embarrassed at our elected officials during the Katrina tragedy alone. Our country should be there before things happen to help people in need. We pay taxes and have all of these laws and programs. But yet, we were failed, lives lost, peoples savings gone, everything they worked for destroyed,,,,,,I hope that if another hurricane or any disaster of that magnitude is impending, our government will have the foresight to be there next time. Needless deaths, etc should have been avoided. I still have a very profound sadness in my heart for all of the suffering that could have been avoided.
Leah Wright, Des Moines IA (Sent Aug 22, 2006 4:14:22 PM)
We Mississippians are a resilient lot. Thank God we are, because to see it in the media, New Orleans was the only area Katrina devastated...well, if you can call flooding, little or no wind damage, and the city thriving once again devastated. Even a year later, little or no media attention is being given to the city of Waveland, Bay St Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and others. Our entire coast was obliterated, and but for the grace of God and the very brave people in these cities and counties, they would not have survived. Shame on the government for continuing to ignore Mississippians, and shame on the governor of LA and the mayor of New Orleans for continuing to play the blame game and whimpering. Kudos to the quiet dignity our state and local officials have shown. Tommy Longo, you hang in there. You have our support and prayers.
Dena Boggan, Florence, MS (Sent Aug 25, 2006 1:04:54 PM)
My husband has been working along the Mississippi coast off and on for the last six months. He still brings home pictures of devestated neighborhoods that have not been completely cleaned up and homes that look like no one has been back since the hurricane. He talks to many people who are still living in FEMA trailers and are frustrated with the builders that are supposed to be rebuilding their homes. There is still a lot to be done along the coast and there are still a lot of people who need help.
J. Farr, Cambridge, Minnesota (Sent Mar 8, 2007 10:06:17 AM)
I have moved to waveland seeking work. What a more needed place to move to as a builder. I have found that all the red tape and politics has been the thorn in the process of rebuilding. Lets step back and be real. Here is a town that has been ravaged. Here I am to do the job. Seems pretty cut and dry to me. It seems that this could go on for years. Time to get back to the basics folks. If it's broke, let's fix it.
Hearts in Waveland, MS
CANDACE (Sent Aug 29, 2007 1:30:08 PM)
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