From Houston High-Rise to Coastal Heart When Shauna Williams first stepped onto Bolivar Peninsula as a permanent resident, she did not arrive with a grand blueprint or perfectly polished business plan. She arrived with grit, instinct, and a deep love for retail. What has unfolded since then is a story that feels perfectly at home…

The annual Bolivar Christmas Market at Swedes Park was a huge success this past Saturday, officially kicking off the holiday season on the peninsula! Despite the cool and breezy day, the atmosphere was warm, joyful, and filled with festive spirit. Shoppers started arriving promptly at 10:00 am, eager to browse the offerings from nearly two…

By Linda ElissaldeLamar University was born as South Park Junior College in 1923 with 125 students. In 1932 it became Lamar Junior College to honor “Father of Texas Education” Mirabeau B. Lamar. Lamar State College of Technology, the first junior college in Texas to become a state supported four-year institution, occurred in 1951. Gilbert Rhodes…

Let’s talk about the polar vortex in simple terms. It sounds like a superhero name, but it’s really just a big, fast-moving circle of air that spins around the North Pole high up in the sky. When this circle of wind is strong and healthy, it acts like a fence, keeping all the super-cold Arctic…

I hope all my American recipients had an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving this week. The US financial markets were closed all day Thursday and half a day on Friday. We’ve since erected our Christmas Tree (all three feet of it) and started watching the classic British sitcom hour long Christmas specials. I love December. TL/DR…

By Bruce Cline, Gulf Coast Home LoansIf you’ve lived or owned property on the Bolivar Peninsula long enough, you already know the market out here can change direction quicker than a pelican diving for a morning mullet. And while we’re not seeing a rush of investors at the moment, a few early signs suggest 2026…

“The Twelve Gifts of Christmas” is a song parody written and sung by Allan Sherman in 1963. It is based on the classic Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and I always substituted Sherman’s gifts when singing the original classic, but under my breath, of course. For this column I will substitute some safe…

Surface water temperature is 62 degrees. The water clarity has been very good for East Galveston Bay. This week we shifted our focus towards redfish, and they did not disappoint with great catches over Thanksgiving Week. Active bait in the area is critical, so if you don’t see bait or signs of life, don’t spend…

Check out the upcoming events on Bolivar Peninsula—there’s always something going on! From community gatherings and outdoor adventures, the calendar is packed with fun for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t miss out. Upcoming Events See Full Bio

Or two or three! I went over to Galveston on Wednesday to pick up my cherry pie from Sunflower Bakery. I ordered it specially to take to Thanksgiving dinner at our daughter’s. I had several more stops to make while I was over there. First UPS, then Kroger, Walgreens, an embroidery place on 53rd, Luna’s…

We continued on our journey, leaving Assisi on a foggy morning, but great views of the valley below. The walk down to our busses was so much better than the walk up those same stairs. The bus ride for today took us along the Adriatic Sea to Lanciano, which is described as a well-preserved medieval…

Stargazers across Texas have a busy month ahead with several impressive celestial events unfolding in our night skies. Even though cooler Gulf Coast weather can bring some cloud cover, clear nights offer great viewing opportunities for anyone who enjoys looking up. Leonid Meteor Shower The Leonids, famous for producing some of the fastest meteors of…

The first week of December in American history is marked by pivotal events that shaped the nation’s policy, social structure, and entry into global conflicts. Key historical moments include the establishment of the Monroe Doctrine, which defined U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere; the ratification of the 13th Amendment, formally ending slavery; and the…

If you live on the Texas coast, you know healthcare can feel far away at exactly the wrong moment. A simple blood pressure check can turn into a long drive, a ferry wait, or a full day off work. At the same time, federal and state data show primary care physicians are in short supply,…

Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting on 11/18/2025 to review progress from the past year, elect new leadership, and share important updates with the community. Driven by the community’s dedicated spirit, the Chamber had a year marked by significant growth and strategic advancements. [In the above photo, Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce…

By Elinor TinsleyWe know that our models for the semi-annual Salty Mermaid Fashion Show, held at the Eagles last Wednesday, November 19, 2025, are probably not ready for the Paris runway, but we guarantee you that we had a lot more fun at our fashion show than the ones in Paris. Twice a year, Shauna…

The countdown to Carnival has officially begun. The Bolivar Peninsula Lighthouse Krewe ignited the 2026 Mardi Gras season in spectacular fashion on Sunday, November 16th, with their annual “King and Queen Brunch.” The reigning royalty, King Morris and Queen Renee Montalvo, alongside Duke Mingo and Duchess Maddie Perez, hosted the festive gathering at Tia Juanita’s…

By Jim DenysThe Fall Island Liquor Cigar Bourbon, Rum and Tequilla tasting event was a huge success!  A big thanks to Island Liquor for coordinating a great line-up of allocated Bourbons – Blantons, Weller 12, Eagle Rare, as well as Bumbu Rum Premium, XO, Crème and Siete Tequila-Reposado, Anejo and Blanco.  Island Liquor’s local team…

By Linda ElissaldeCrenshaw Environmental Science Magnet School is one of the finest examples of learning in Texas. Their mission statement proclaims: Provide students with challenging coursework and experiential environmental studies to prepare them for success in higher education and the workplace. Faculty and staff are outstanding. Principal Traci Camp proudly states that this is, “The…

Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays, woven from centuries of history, cultural traditions, and family rituals. What began as a modest harvest celebration has grown into a nationwide day of gratitude marked by feasting, parades, travel, and football. In Texas, the holiday takes on a flavor all its own, blending classic American customs…