Big Easy Beat – 02/12/2010
Indiana governor to fly Saints flag
The governor of Indiana lost a bet with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and must mail Jindal a photo of the Saints flag flying in Indianapolis. The flag will be flown at the state capital sometime this week, though the specific day and time has not been released.
Carnival season expected to bring $147.7 million in revenue
A study conducted by two Tulane professors found that revelers will spend more than $26 million on alcohol alone during the 12-day carnival season. Local business owners said that Mardi Gras revenues are especially important this year given that overall revenues are down because of the nationwide economic recession.
Plans for Lakeview charter school approved
The City Planning Commission approved plans to rebuild the Edward Hynes Elementary School, which was flooded during Hurricane Katrina. The school will be rebuilt on its original location and is scheduled to open in August 2011.
Saints parade sets record
New Orleans police officials estimated that more than 300,000 people attended last Tuesday’s Saints parade. The parade, which took hours to wind its way through downtown, had one of the largest turnouts ever recorded.