Faced with uncertainty about the future of the economy, Harrah's announced last month that it has slowed construction on the USD 700 Margaritaville Casino and Resort on the beach in east Biloxi. MGM Mirage, parent company of the nearby Beau Rivage, said earlier this spring it had laid off 100 people between the Biloxi and Tunica County properties. As consumers' expendable income shrinks with the rising cost of food and gas...

Biloxi -- Harrah's Entertainment says it's not stopping work on the Margaritaville Casino project, just slowing it down. Rumors swirling around Biloxi had placed a cloud over the massive construction work adjacent to the Grand Casino Biloxi. "Over the next few weeks, residents of Biloxi will notice less activity and fewer workers at the Margaritaville work site," said Marybel Batjer, vice president of communications, in an e-mailed statement.