The annual Big Store’s Ghost on the Coast kicked off early this year to stay ahead of an incoming rainstorm, but the weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Families, friends, and costumed characters of every kind filled the parking lot for a night of community fun, laughter, and plenty of Halloween excitement. Local businesses and organizations once again…

Get ready to boogie on down to the coast! The 2026 Texas Crab Festival Music Lineup is set to bring three days of music, seafood, fun and family time to the Gulf Coast. Mark your calendar for Thursday-Saturday, May 7-9, at Swedes Park (1605 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach) — a weekend full of good vibes, big…

For starters — did you know you can purchase a home with a reverse mortgage? That’s right. Reverse mortgage programs have evolved far beyond what most people remember. Today’s version is one of the safest, most flexible, and most carefully regulated mortgage programs in America — fully backed and insured by the FHA. Whether you…

By J. Lee AustinCrazy Blast from a Wacky Past 👻Halloween has always been a special day on the calendar for me, quite literally from day one. My mother, who was herself born on Halloween, conceived yours truly on the evening of October 31st, 1952. What are the odds of that … about as likely as…

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

The Bolivar Christmas Market is back, bringing holiday cheer to the peninsula the Saturday after Thanksgiving! On Saturday, November 29, head to the Pavilion at Swedes Park (1605 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach) for a festive day of shopping, music, and community fun. Dozens of unique arts and crafts vendors will fill the park, offering one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade creations, and local treasures perfect for…

Welcome to this week’s edition of Curranomics® from the Crystal Beach Investor Center. TL/DR (Too Long/Didn’t Read) Summary: A mixed week for assets; stocks up, crypto’s sideways, gold and silver’s winning streak came to an end, and US Treasuries didn’t move much. Stocks/Equities: Ended up this week-the three major US indices keep making new all…

Save the date!  Come donate blood at Bay Vue Methodist Church at 1411 Hwy 87 from 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025.  Walk-ins are welcome but it’s so easy to sign up for an appointment using the QR code on the flyer below.  Bay Vue Methodist Church and the Eagles 3719…

 It’s the time of the year when it starts to get a little cooler out on the water. When it is chilly, some passengers may seek the relative warmth of a cuddy cabin or a full cabin. The danger is that when they move forward into a covered area, they may be exposing themselves to…

Surface water temperature 77 degrees. Water clarity is still good for East Galveston Bay. We are still fishing back in the marsh and back lakes the majority of the time, as well as the better protected shorelines of the intracoastal. We have fished Flats with scattered shell in areas with good tide movement, and bait…

The impending weather didn’t frighten everyone  away, It scared a few to bump up their starting times though. The Senorita Putt Putt was postponed, unknown to me when that might happen, but The Big Store went ahead and upped their starting time to 4 to hopefully miss the downpour. I made it up there a…

Step back in time with This Week in History, where we highlight the moments that shaped our world — from triumphs and tragedies to discoveries and daring feats. Each week offers a glimpse into the people, events, and ideas that continue to influence our lives today. Here’s what happened this week in history, October 28 through…

Texas has a response problem. In its more rural counties, some emergency medical services (EMS) teams are driving 50 miles or more just to reach a call, with minimal backup and limited resources. But response times are not just a matter of dispatch logistics. It’s about personnel. Or rather, the lack of them. So what’s…

It was another exciting weekend on the Bolivar Peninsula as the annual Saltwater Slam Fishing Tournament returned to Stingaree Restaurant & Marina. The event brought together anglers of all ages for a day filled with competition, camaraderie, and plenty of fish tales. The Main Event Twelve fishing teams launched early Saturday morning, chasing the elusive triple crown of…

Get ready to showcase your baking skills for a great cause! The High Island High School Senior Class is hosting a classic Cake Walk at the upcoming Fall Festival, and they need your help to make it a huge success. The Cake Walk is a fun festival tradition, but it can’t happen without a generous…

The bottle tree, a captivating piece of folk art found prominently in the American South, is far more than just a colorful garden ornament. This tradition carries centuries of spiritual significance and cultural history, tracing its roots back to ancient practices in Africa. History and Origin The tradition of hanging glass vessels in trees to…

A Celebration of Heritage and FunAnother Texas autumn came and went with the familiar sight of Big Tex towering over Fair Park, welcoming millions of visitors to the 2025 State Fair of Texas. The fair ran from September 26 through October 19, marking its 139th year as one of the nation’s most iconic and longest-running state…

Locals Have Found New Ways to Have FunWeekends at Crystal Beach are not what they used to be! The age-old combination of sand, sun, and seafood continues to attract people, but locals have begun introducing fresh new layers in the way they spend their leisure time. Outdoor traditions are mixed with tech-inspired activities, live music…

The Five SensesWhen we think of human senses we think of the usual senses of hearing, seeing, taste, touch and smell. We use our experiences with these senses to live our everyday lives, but we also use them to navigate new experiences such as operating a boat. All five senses require input from our surroundings,…

This past weekend, our Tampa son-in-law came to town to see their new house. Purchased sight unseen, approved by Kelly’s sister. Leigh breathed a sigh of relief. They LOVE IT! PawPaw picked up Michael from the airport early Friday morning and they went to work on the house. Hanging all the curtain rods and towel…