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…

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…

By Elinor TinsleyThe Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation is super excited to bring you the opportunity to purchase a memento of our beloved Bolivar Peninsula.  The last big fundraiser we had ended a few years ago when we sold our last 3ft. and 6ft. concrete lighthouses.  Due to certain logistical problems we have been unable to…

Welcome to this week’s edition of Curranomics® from the Crystal Beach Investor Center. It may be a little bit shorter than usual this week, as I’m frankly worn out from all the bad news! Also, the financial markets in America are closed next Thursday in observance of the annual Thanksgiving holiday, so I may or…

The Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina O’Dell, IOM, as its new Executive Director and Courtney Ellison as Administrative Assistant. These additions mark an exciting step forward as the Chamber continues strengthening local business support, tourism development, and community engagement across the Bolivar Peninsula. Christina O’Dell, IOM Joins…

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated—and controversial—shopping events of the year. For some, it’s a thrilling kickoff to the holiday season filled with bargains, tradition, and excitement. For others, it represents everything problematic about consumer culture: waste, chaos, and a relentless push to buy more. Whether you love it or loathe it, Black…

When I bought my first kayak, it was with the intention of using it as a form of exercise as well as a way to enjoy the water. I had a pontoon boat that was a fishing model, and that is what I used when I wanted to go fishing. However, I found that most…

Surface water temperature is 73 degrees, water clarity = still Good in East Galveston Bay. Early morning trips have been better for us this week with the higher tides and good outgoing tide movement, allowing us to fish pretty much anywhere we choose in the bay system. Points and flats close to deeper channels with…