Deer Island is a island off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi that was once part of the mainland and is not a barrier island {ref Deer Island, A geological and Historical Study, DEQ, State of MS}. It is the closest island to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and consists of approximately 400 acres (1.6 km2).
For several years, local casinos tried to develop the island. However, the majority of the island was acquired by the State of Mississippi on May 24, 2002, which intends to preserve its current undeveloped state.
Deer Island becomes Coastal Preserve Retrieved 2-2-2009.