Left without movie theaters, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment, youths from hurricane-ravaged areas of the Gulf Coast say that drinking has become more common.

The Associated Press reported Jan. 22 that youths in coastal Mississippi are driving to New Orleans or Mobile, Ala., to find clubs or bars that will serve underage youth. Local officials see the problem compounded by a lack of options.

"I've asked some property owners to open up their land for bonfires and music so kids have a safe place to hang out," said Ken Broadus, a Jackson County sheriff's captain. "We could open up a gate and do vehicle checks in and out to make sure they arrive and leave sober." But that hasn't happened yet.

"Teenagers need some place to go and something to do," said Biloxi psychologist Dr. William Gasparrini. "One of the most important things parents can do is talk to their children about drugs and alcohol, safety and designated drivers."