Two decades after Hurricane Katrina flooded Kingspoint Boulevard near Slidell, the area is now high and dry. Once defined by destruction and rising waters, this neighborhood offers a powerful testament to the region’s remarkable resilience and recovery efforts.
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Scott Then and Now 02.jpg
Photo by The Advocate
Key Takeaways:
- Hurricane Katrina devastated Kingspoint Boulevard near Slidell 20 years ago
- The street is now described as “high and dry”
- The anniversary illustrates the slow but tangible process of rebuilding
- Slidell’s transformation reflects broader Gulf Coast resilience
- A single photograph captures both the memory of flooding and today’s recovered landscape
Hurricane Katrina’s Lasting Impact
Kingspoint Boulevard in the Kingspoint subdivision near Slidell was once at the center of Hurricane Katrina’s upheaval. In 2005, residents faced overwhelming flooding, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Twenty years later, this stretch of road remains an enduring symbol of both the storm’s devastating force and the community’s spirit of renewal.
Present-Day Kingspoint
According to reporting from The Advocate, by Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Kingspoint Boulevard was “high and dry.” This drastic change stands in stark contrast to the historic images of waterlogged streets and battered properties two decades ago. A staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune, vividly underscores the transformation from inundated roadway to a neighborhood seemingly free of the scars once wrought by Katrina.
Why This Transformation Matters
Observing the difference between Kingspoint then and now reveals more than just improved levees or drainage. It highlights the collective resolve of residents, local agencies, and volunteers determined to leave the past behind while learning from it. Each repaired home and refurbished street sign represents a step forward in Slidell’s commitment to resilience.
Lessons Learned
The 20-year mark underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and community resource coordination. From reinforcing infrastructure to refining evacuation protocols, the region has spent the years after Katrina preparing for future storms. Slidell’s experience serves as a reminder that rebuilding requires not only physical repairs but also the long-term strategies that ensure recovery endures.
Looking Ahead
As Kingspoint Boulevard stands dry, residents remember the unforgiving floodwaters that once submerged their neighborhood. This anniversary invites a deeper reflection on the region’s healing process—an ongoing journey shaped by the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. By commemorating the disaster’s 20-year mark, communities across the Gulf Coast honor both the tragedy of the past and the promise of a safer tomorrow.
