Dowsing, also known as water witching or divining, is the practice of using a forked stick, metal rods, or even a bent coat hanger to locate underground water sources. The idea is simple: when a dowser walks over a hidden vein of water, the stick or rods supposedly twitch, dip, or cross, signaling the presence…

The deadline to pay the second half of the split payment installment for 2024 property taxes is June 30th. It is also the deadline to apply for a payment agreement on delinquent taxes to avoid hefty attorney fees from being added. Contact a Property Tax Specialist at 409-766-2481 to discuss your options before it is…

By Linda Elissalde George Strong turned 88 on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He has enjoyed a most illustrious life. Mr. Strong graduated from from South Dakota State University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Denver. George served his country as a Major in the US Army. He owned and operated George Strong…

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, it will occur on Friday, June 20, at 9:42 p.m. Central Daylight Time. This astronomical event marks the official beginning of summer and has been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years. The summer solstice happens…

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be another active one, particularly for the Gulf of America, where warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions could fuel powerful storms. With NOAA’s early forecasts, lessons from past seasons, and increasing hurricane risks, residents along the Gulf Coast must take proactive steps to protect themselves…

By LTC Mike Moad, U.S. Army Retired On June 14, 2025, the United States Army turned 250 years old—a monumental milestone that marks not only a quarter-millennium of military service but the enduring legacy of the nation’s oldest branch of armed service. Formed even before the birth of the United States itself, the Army has…

Get ready for the most fun you can have on a golf cart while supporting a great cause! The 2025 Bolivar Peninsula Golf Cart Poker Run is officially open for registration. This exciting day-long event will take place on August 2, 2025, and promises to be a blast for all participants. Kickoff Location The fun…

Each year, the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall off or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water…

Surface water temperature 84 degrees in East Galveston Bay. As in previous weeks, the Water clarity is normal. We are still finding good numbers of solid trout on the protected Shorelines over shell pockets, in areas with better looking water, as well as Redfish along the grass lines and over shell, and a few nice…

We never end an evening or breakfast or trip or travel or wedding without planning our next get together with family. The 4th of July get together has been planned for quite a while now. That’s with the Tampa folks. Then, at the wedding (I think) several more families joined in. The League City gang…

Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. While many Americans associate the abolition of slavery with President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Juneteenth marks the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years later. On January…

From pivotal battles and groundbreaking scientific achievements to landmark cultural moments, this week has witnessed events that shaped the course of history. Join us as we explore the triumphs, tragedies, and turning points of this remarkable week. June 17: The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor aboard the French ship Isère in 1885.…

Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Town Hall Recap In a packed town hall meeting last week, Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen and his team met with residents to review the results of the 2025 Jeep Weekend operations, highlighting a successful year marked by a dramatic decrease in violent crime on the Bolivar Peninsula. Sheriff Fullen opened…

A Conversation with Amee LeBlanc, VP and Banking Center Manager at Texas First Bank Nestled within the heart of Crystal Beach, Texas First Bank stands as more than just a place to make deposits or cash checks—it’s a cornerstone of community life. At the helm of this vibrant hub is Amee LeBlanc, Vice President and…

This past Saturday, the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department fired up the community spirit with its 25th Annual BBQ Cookoff Fundraiser—and it was smokin’ hot in all the best ways! The event kicked off on Friday night with a winner-take-all fajitas showdown, where teams of grillmasters battled for the title of Fajitas King (or Queen!).…

On Friday, committee captains who helped orchestrate the 2025 Texas Crab Festival gathered for a special luncheon held in their honor. The event, hosted by Texas Crab Festival Charities, recognized the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who make the festival the largest annual event on Bolivar Peninsula. Mark DeSantis, president of Texas Crab…

By J. Lee Austin, MD Things That Make You Go “Ouch!” As promised, we continue our endeavor of trying to help folks make the most of their coastal adventure. As noted in our prior ramble, the goal is not to frighten, but to maximize the odds of a safe, successful experience. A bit of forehand…

Connect, Promote, and Grow Your Business Are you a local business owner, vacation rental host, or service provider looking to reach more customers? Crystalbeach.com is your gateway to success on the Bolivar Peninsula! Our website receives over 5,000 page views each week, connecting visitors from near and far to everything that makes Crystal Beach, Texas,…

By Linda Elissalde Why do churches celebrate Pentecost? Why do worshippers wear red? Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus; It is the birth of the Christian Church. The name comes from the Greek word pentekoste which means fiftieth. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday…

I live in a resort community on a 21-mile long narrow peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico. My house is raised 21 feet above sea level on pilings. From my deck I can look one way and see ships go by, and the other way and see tugs pushing barges in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).…