Well, it’s that time of year when we revert from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time. Using the old saying, spring ahead and fall back, we turn our clocks back an hour. Fall sneaks up slowly on us here on the Texas Gulf; water temperatures begin to get cooler. It’s a gradual effect, but…

Surface water temperature 70 degrees, water clarity = Good in East Galveston Bay. Points, Drains, and flats with scattered shell have produced some good catches of trout, reds, and a few flounder on our artificial lure trips in the 2-to-3-foot depth range. For us this past week, if we find nervous bait the fish are…

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is opening several bays to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning 12:01 a.m. Nov. 1. Since Nov. 1 falls on a Saturday, the first legal day for commercial oyster harvest will be Monday, Nov. 3. “In an effort to aid Texas’ commercial oyster fishermen this season, the Texas…

The Crystaland Parade is a beloved holiday tradition on the Bolivar Peninsula, spreading Christmas cheer to locals and visitors alike. On December 13, this festive event lights up the beach with beautifully decorated floats, golf carts, and vehicles, all adorned in dazzling holiday lights and decorations. Starting at the Crystal Beach Fire Station, the parade…

Two whole weeks of spookiness, when is it going to let up? Last weekend was The Big Store Trunk or Treat, and it was a hit! With the impending threat of thunderstorms, Trunk or Treat began at 4pm, hoping to get everything in before the skies opened. Success! The costume contest, which takes the longest…

From presidential elections to scientific breakthroughs, political firsts and entertainment milestones, this week in history is filled with moments that changed the course of nations and shaped the modern world. Here’s a look at the events that made headlines in years past during this week in November. November 6 November 7 November 8 November 9…

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…

A full day at Crystal Beach usually involves soaking up that Texas sun and swimming in the Gulf. If you’re with friends or family, a few rounds of beach volleyball is always fun. But as the sun begins to dip, it’s time to slow down. Crystal Beach has that easygoing charm that makes relaxing feel…

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…

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…

 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…