David Grunfeld

Nearly 21 years after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, empty lots still dot the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Waveland to Biloxi and farther down the coast. High construction costs, expensive wind

Nearly 21 years after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, empty lots still dot the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Waveland to Biloxi and farther down the coast. High construction costs, expensive wind and flood insurance, new elevation requirements and the fact that many residents never returned have slowed rebuilding. For-sale signs stand on grassy lots where homes once stood, while new houses rise nearby on tall pilings. At the same time, there appears to be interest from out-of-town buyers looking to make the Gulf Coast their home.

At Rocky & CarloÕs, a plate of baked macaroni and cheese comes with a generous helping of local tradition. The family run restaurant has served Yats, longtime New Orleans-area residents

Nearly 21 years after Hurricane Katrina's storm surge flattened Waveland, Miss., Coleman Avenue remains dotted with vacant lots.

Mia J. St. Ann, mother of Jacque St. Ann, speaks as the teenagerÕs father, Jacque B. Turner, stands beside her during a news conference across the street from Plaza Tower

READ DETAILS HERE: Family of teen who died at Plaza Tower plans to sue building's owners: 'Numerous failures'

A large oak tree and much of a front yard collapsed into a massive hole early Tuesday after a water main leaked for nearly two weeks in New Orleans’ Lake

A large oak tree and much of a front yard collapsed into a massive hole early Tuesday after a water main leaked for nearly two weeks in New Orleans' Lake Terrace neighborhood.

DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES PICAYUNE Patrick’s Bar Vin is a New Orleans wine bar in the heart of the French Quarter, managed by New Orleans’ own bon vivant, Patrick