There was one messenger service before the storm but it doesn't exist anymore. If you want to get a job on bike in NOLA you have to deliver food in the Quarter,and that kinda sucks IMO. The city is tiny too, and there arent that many people who need messengers. From one end of the city to the other at its longest point its ~10-15 miles.
NOLA is getting better by the day. Yes there are HUGE pot holes but they are easily avoidable,and there are plenty of flat smooth roads to go ANYWHERE in the city. I ride fixed and love it, its the best way to get around down here.
And you guys are a bunch of ******* about the heat. I ride NOLA at least 350 days of the year and yes its hot, but not intolerable. You just have to be prepared for it.