Special to Long Beach Breeze
During the pandemic, City buildings are in various states of accessibility for area residents.
Long Beach City Hall is open, but visitors must wear a mask to enter the building and follow the recommended CDC guidelines. Visitors are asked to pay attention to posted signs on the doors when entering City Hall for directions.
The lobby of the Long Beach Police Department is closed. Those who need to reach the police department are asked to call the station at 228-863-7292 and refrain from using call dispatch for information. Call dispatch is a 911 emergency line.
Long Beach Fire Department lobbies are closed. To get a burn permit or for an appointment, residents can call the station at 228.864-8451.
The Public Works office is closed to the public, but residents can call the Public Works office at 228-863-0440 to report any problems or requests. Public Works’ office hours are 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., but someone will be on call after hours, in case an emergency arises.
The Long Beach Senior Activity Center is open following CDC guidelines, including conducting temperature checks for patrons and contingent on patrons wearing face masks.
City parks, the dog park and the splash pad are all open, although residents are reminded that outdoor facilities are shared and cannot be sanitized in between use.
Long Beach Municipal Court will still be holding court as usual. No court dates have been postponed or canceled at this time, but procedures have changed to accommodate the pandemic.
Upon arriving for a scheduled court docket, defendants will check in with one of the clerks outside the North entrance to the courtroom. Only people with immediate and direct business with the court will be allowed into the courtroom. Friends and family members will not be admitted into the courtroom. Defendants must wear a mask that covers mouth and nose while in the courtroom.
In order to comply with social distancing and to maintain a six-foot distance between individuals, defendants will form a line outside the courtroom on north side of City Hall on marked spaces. Individuals will be called in one at a time to see the judge.
Those needing to file a Petition for Domestic Abuse Protection Order can contact the court at 228-865-7840, ext. 6959.
Options to make payments include sending the payment using the drop box, paying online, or paying by phone.
To drop off payment, put the check or money order in an envelope marked “Court,” then place it in the Water Department’s drop box that is located in front of City Hall. Payments that are dropped off also need to include the defendant’s full name and date of birth.
To pay online, visit www.paymyfineonline.com or www.longbeachmstickets.com.
To pay by phone, call 877-793-7925. Defendants making online or phone payments will need to have their citation number and court date information.
Anyone with any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, such as a temperature of 100.4 or higher, experiencing a cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, should contact the court for further instructions. The court can be reached at 228-865-7840, ext. 6959.
The Library is again closed to the public to help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in the area. However, the staff is still working and available for curb-side services. Patrons may call the library to request up to five items. There will be no late fines charged for the foreseeable future.
Residents are asked to call the library for more information or to make their requests, and items on hold can still be picked up. Patrons can simply call the library upon arrival at 228-863-0711, and items will be brought out. Items to be returned can be put in the outside book drop. Patrons may also come by to drop off or pick up Summer Reading information or packets.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on City services and lobby status by visiting the City’s website at www.CityOfLongBeachMS.info.
