UPDATE: Protesters gather outside Energy Summit | Biloxi Sun Herald

Protesters gathered on the beach across from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center today to call attention to their opposition to drilling in the Sound.

The protest was staged at the Energy Summit where GOP candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum are scheduled to speak.

About 40-50 people gathered about 9 a.m. across U.S. 90 from the Coliseum property. The group did not get a permit, so police would not let them set up tables or a podium.

However, they were waving signs that read, "No drilling, stop killing tourism" and "don't mess with my coastal playground or my dollars will leave" and "Repubs destroy coast for big oil" as attendees began arriving for the summit.

Sunherald.com will update as more information becomes available.