Galveston police enforced strict spring break regulations, closing several beaches due to overcrowding and disturbances. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at 13 Mile Road Beach, leading to multiple closures before reopening later in the evening.
.jpg)
On Thursday, the city of Galveston posted a video telling visitors that police would be out in full force to crack down on minors' drinking, drunkenness in public, and reckless behavior.
By Friday afternoon, there was a lot of traffic on the island. Police said it was because of an unofficial "senior skip day." Later, police were called to 13 Mile Road Beach because shots had been fired. Even though no one was hurt, a gun was found, which is why 13 Mile Road Beach and Sunny Beach were closed.
As the number of people continued to rise, Galveston Police closed 11 Mile Road Beach and Hershey Beach for safety reasons. By 5:30 p.m., all beaches were open again, and six people were arrested during the day.
A spokesman for the Galveston Police Department, Kurt Koopman, said it is hard to control these unplanned events because no one is planning them. He said that the chaos was like the city's recent Mardi Gras, which was well-organized and had a lot of people but no significant problems.
In the coming months, officials are getting ready for "Jeep Weekend" in May, which is known for having loud people.
Sheriff Jimmy Fullen of Galveston County has already said he wants to crack down on the event because he thinks it is too dangerous. "It’s just not good for the community," he stated.
In the meantime, Galveston made it clear to spring breakers this week: have fun, but don't get into trouble.
.jpg)
Disney Cruise Line will remove the Disney Magic from Galveston in mid-2027 after nearly 15 years of seasonal service. The ship will relocate to Vancouver for Alaska sailings, while Disney has not yet announced which vessel, if any, will replace it in Texas.
.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Davie Defense Inc. will expand shipbuilding operations in Galveston and Port Arthur, investing more than $730 million and creating over 2,400 jobs. The state awarded the company a $21.7 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant to support the project, which will focus on building Arctic icebreakers and other specialized vessels.
.jpg)
The La Marque City Council confirmed Byron Frankland as the city’s new police chief Monday night. Frankland, a longtime law enforcement and public safety leader, will begin his new role Feb. 16 following a nationwide search that drew more than 40 applicants.