Prices keep shifting, and grocery aisles can feel like a maze. Still, you can trim costs without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Use the steps below to plan smarter, shop calmer, and keep more cash in your pocket each week. Use A List And A Budget Start with a weekly meal plan and a tight list.…

The US Coast Guard relies heavily on private boaters to assist other boaters in distress. Often the nearest boat to a vessel in distress is a private boat. When time is of the essence, it is often the private vessel operator that comes to the aid of a fellow boater, and these private boaters often…

Surface water temperature 51 degrees. The water clarity is all over the board for East Galveston Bay, depending on where you are at in the bay system. This past week we had a cold front with Strong North Winds push through once again that dropped the water temperatures, as well as super low water levels…

The Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2026 Golden Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to “Reaching New Milestones.” This prestigious event celebrates the excellence and leadership that drive our community forward, honoring the exceptional individuals and businesses whose dedication has fueled the growth and prosperity of the Bolivar Peninsula. Join us…

Let’s see, what exactly is “normal?” Christmastime is exciting and overwhelming. So, coming off the Christmas season is a transformation for me, anyway. I found a free weekend to take all the decorations down; it actually took two weekends. The tree was biggest challenge. I love the tree, but more than half the lights didn’t…

The week of January 13 to January 19 serves as a microcosm of the American experience, spanning the nation’s foundational struggles, civil rights breakthroughs, and technological triumphs. This specific window in the calendar highlights the evolution of American governance—from the ratification of the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War to the second impeachment of a…

Only days remain for timely payment of 2025 property taxes (with the date extended from January 31 to February 2 since the deadline falls on a weekend).  The Galveston County Tax Office hopes to make it easy for you to check that chore off the “to do” list. Seniors, disabled persons, disabled veterans (or their…

Ready for your second act? After last week’s blockbuster opening, it’s time to find out if your movie trivia skills were just a “one-hit wonder” or if you’re truly a cinematic legend in the making. We’re back with more of the same high-stakes fun, bringing you a fresh batch of iconic lines that have defined…

During the months of January and February, you can purchase your 2026 Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker for only $5.00. Early-bird stickers are available at the customer service desk in The Big Store, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning January 1 through February 28, from 10am-3pm (cash or check only). After March 1, 2026, stickers will…

If you have ever spoken to your dog as if they truly understood you, there is a good chance you were right. Dogs are not just reacting to tone or routine. Many are actively processing words, meaning, and intent. Science now confirms what dog owners have felt for generations. Dogs listen. And more importantly, they…

Welcome to this week’s edition of Curranomics® from the Crystal Beach Investor Center. A happy new year to you all. As promised, this is going to be a look back on the performance of our various asset classes during the past year; almost a “double edition” of Curranomics® if you like. I’ll plan to release…

If you have ever stood at a family reunion holding a paper plate of potato salad while someone cheerfully says, “This is your third cousin once removed,” and you just nodded like that made perfect sense, you are not alone. Family relationships have a way of sounding like a complicated math problem that no one…

Since two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water, it is only natural that humans find means to get around on the water. We have progressed from holding onto a floating log to operating some of the most sophisticated means of travel. Can you imagine what Columbus’s voyages would have been like if…

Surface water temperature is 59 degrees. The water clarity has been excellent for East Galveston Bay, allowing us to sight fish, which is not usually possible on the upper Texas coast. Once again, this week we shifted our focus towards redfish and they did not disappoint with some great catches. We fished outgoing morning tides,…

Sadly, the family had to go back to Tampa on New Year’s day, We took the Grands to Mod Pizza before putting them on the plane – destination “home for now.” The parents left at 5:30 AM by vehicle with Knight, their fur baby. They made it home in time to pick the rest of…

The second week of January has often served as a stage for pivotal transitions in American governance and civil rights. From the founding of the Grand Canyon National Monument to the first shots of the Civil War, these seven days reflect the nation’s constant evolution in its values, its territory, and its internal conflicts. January…

The year 2025 will be remembered on the Bolivar Peninsula as a period of adjustment, growth, and renewed focus on the future. From major public safety efforts and evolving tourism patterns to grassroots community initiatives and beloved local traditions, the peninsula experienced a year that reflected both its challenges and its enduring strength. A Turning…

As the clock strikes midnight, the world transforms into a global stage of fireworks, feasts, and fascinating rituals. While many associate New Year’s Eve with a simple countdown and a glass of bubbly, cultures across the globe have developed unique—and sometimes quirky—traditions designed to wash away the old year and invite good fortune for the…

Turning the 2026 Signals Into a Game PlanBy Bruce Cline, Gulf Coast Home Loans In Part 1 of this series, we talked about the early signals beginning to form around the Bolivar Peninsula and Crystal Beach as we head toward 2026. We looked at interest rate forecasts, national and local rental trends, and what local…

Every January, millions of people around the world wake up convinced that this will be the year everything finally changes. The calendar flips. Fireworks fade. Someone somewhere declares, “New year, new me,” and humanity collectively decides it is time to fix itself. New Year’s resolutions are born from optimism, caffeine, and the quiet belief that…