In the world of local utility management, the stakes are often as high as the water towers that dot the skyline. For Brad Metz, President of the Bolivar Peninsula Special Utility District (BPSUD)—locally known simply as “the Water Company”—the journey from a career in international building materials to managing the peninsula’s lifeblood has been a masterclass in…

By Elinor TinsleyLast Friday the 13th,  a “small group” of over 45 people gathered at the Tiki Bar and Grill to try and halfway surprise our dear friend Linda Elissalde for a pre celebration of her 85th birthday the next day, February 14, 2026.  I say halfway surprise because Linda is a pretty hard person…

If you’re a sports enthusiast with an eye for outstanding photography, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are currently delivering a visual masterclass that you won’t want to miss. These incredible photos from the 2026 Winter Olympics offer a breathtaking perspective on peak human performance. Check out these photos to see the Games like…

In many homes, there exists a sacred textile caste system, presided over by “the good towels.” These aren’t just towels; they are plush, pristine, often color-coordinated monuments to aspirations of sophistication. They live in the linen closet, folded with military precision, smelling faintly of lavender and unfulfilled potential. Their purpose, it seems, is solely to…

We all have our favorite spectator sports: baseball, football, tennis, etc. Those just mentioned are also known as team sports. But there are other activities that people like to watch that aren’t sports themselves. Rather, the sporting part of the activity is watching the activity. I call some of these pure spectator sports transportation sports.…

Surface water temperature 62 degrees. Super low tides were on tap again this past week. The water clarity is average for East Galveston Bay, with better clarity in the marsh areas that have been protected from the wind. The past few days in honor of Valentine’s Day, we have thrown the Salt Strong F.R.E.D. The…

Mardi Gras in CB! If you’ve never experienced a Mardi Gras, Crystal Beach is a good place to get your feet wet! If you’re going to want to ride in the parade up Hwy 87, you’d better begin planning several months before February. The Crystal Beach Local News will actually come out on Fat Tuesday.…

This week in February serves as a powerful cross-section of the American experience, spanning the revolutionary founding of the nation to the cutting-edge achievements of the space age. From the birth of George Washington and the political maneuvers of the Missouri Compromise to the tragic assassination of Malcolm X and the triumphant “Miracle on Ice,”…

For Jeff and Marie Butler, the journey to the Royal Float was paved with resilience and a persistent “cupcake” quest. Recently crowned as the 2026 Lighthouse Krewe King and Queen, the couple sat down to share their story of moving to Crystal Beach, their deep-rooted love for community service, and what makes this year’s Mardi Gras…

February is always a quiet but important month on the Bolivar Peninsula. The holidays are behind us. Spring break and summer traffic are ahead. For many buyers, sellers, and investors, this is the month when serious planning begins. If you have followed our local market over the past few years, you already know that Bolivar…

By Linda ElissaldeThe Courage Coach Tammy Stuhr believes that everyone has a story to tell. Tammy is CEO of Author My Day LLC, an award winning author, motivational speaker, trainer and personal coach who empowers people to reach their goals. She winters on Bolivar Peninsula. Bay Vue Methodist member Marsha Fredenburg discovered Mrs. Stuhr’s many…

Welcome to this week’s edition of Curranomics® from Crystal Beach Investor Center.  Well, quite the bloodbath this week-across the board. Metals (which had been doing rather well for the past year) down sharply. Crypto (which had been doing badly since October 10th last year anyway), also down sharply. Stocks were mixed. Metals and stocks I…

Ah, the junk drawer. Every home has one, a designated Bermuda Triangle for items that once had purpose but now exist in a state of suspended animation. It’s not just a drawer; it’s an archaeological site, a time capsule of forgotten tech and half-baked intentions. Where else can you find a single dice, three defunct…

We have been discussing boating accidents in the last few columns. Recreational boat operators have a tremendous responsibility to themselves, their passengers, and other boats on the water. The most important things you can do to be a safe boater are: In addition to the above, safe boating requires adherence to the Rules of the…

Surface water temperature 55 degrees. We have been having extremely low tides over the past few weeks, making loading and unloading even a challenge on our early morning trips. Please pay close attention where you are running, as if you are just a few feet out of the channel in some areas, you can get…

Yet another day I look forward to all year – Super Bowl LX! I’d already picked who I think will win – House Divided! It’s not an educated guess, nor is it to just be contrary and opposite. Heck, I didn’t know who He (the other half of this House) would be for, I just…

By Shannon WilliamsWell, I took another trip around the sun a few days ago, as I marked another birthday!  This is always a time for me to reflect and to look back, but this year, it seems like I kept getting reminded that I was old and thus out of touch with so much.   I…

February delinquent notices for unpaid 2025 property taxes will begin arriving in mailboxes this week.  Thanks to legislation passed several years ago, those unable to pay their taxes in full may sign up for a low penalty payment agreement with the tax assessor collector.  Additionally, this legislation enabled qualified seniors, disabled persons and disabled vets…