Bruce: Your comment was great. It simply makes too much sense to do here. People that are in control have no sense to make cents. read more ...

I was going to the Subway to get a sandwich and to my surprise it was closed down. I saw a whole bunch of people coming and going from Bob's so I figured what the heck I'll give it a try. I had the burger and fries. It was wonderful. A hamburger so good it ran a Subway Sub shop out of business. Who would have thought. read more ...

In town for the fourth. Called ordered ten pizzas for party. Joey the manager called me when they were ready. Pizzas were excellent and the service was fast. Great addition to the beach. read more ...

The Biscayne Development : Look up the Ad for this development on this web site. It really hits the nail on the head. After further review, it is obvious that at least someone realizes that indeed the Texas coast is eroding. This development is not. The reason of course is because of the North Jetty. One would think that the GLO would see this and attempt to maintain the beaches and treasured shorelines of Texas simply for the amount of revenue brought into the state from home buyers, vacationers and tourists. Is anyone listening ? Is anybody home? read more ...

After further review, it is obvious that at least someone realizes that indeed the Texas coast is eroding. This development is not. The reason of course is because of the North Jetty. One would think that the GLO would see this and attempt to maintain the beaches and treasured shorelines of Texas simply for the amount of revenue brought into the state from home buyers, vacationers and tourists. Is anyone listening ? Is anybody home? read more ...

Pizza great !!!!!!!!!! Subs are OK..........Guess we need to get used to them. Not familiar with the relish. Must be a Yankee thing . Shop looks great on inside.....well done. Almost looks like a franchise type operation. Hope it works. Will be back . read more ...

WOW!!!!!!!!!! The pizza here is simply great. Real dough, real flavor, real deal. Enough said!! read more ...

Reference GLO new regulations, if anyone thinks GLO is a friend of the Texas coast I have some beach front property in Arizona ffor sale. Why has Texas recieved less fedural funds for beach protection then the great coastal state of Illonois, you might ask the Glo the answer to this. Why have we spent millions on studies when other states have proven methods to retard beach erosion?? The biggest problem we have is the fact we recognise we have a problem and have done nothing to repair it. read more ...

Great website, easy to navigate. read more ...

All,

The following is an extract from the letter given to me by the Galveston County Sherriff’s Deputy Sgt. Mark McGaffey on June 28, 2008. Read carefully. I am under the opinion that this changes nothing. It is a simple reiterated opinion of the Kurt Sistrunk, another attorney within the Galveston County District Attorney’s office. The truth will come out as we take these cases to court with a jury. We must not accept a dismissal but instead create the case law and matter of record to get the matter resolved. The facts are correctly stated but the conclusion as to the exclusion for calling these vehicles an ATV is incorrect.

Anyone receiving a citation from the Galveston County Sherriff’s department, please contact me at nj77095@yahoo.com. Again, I’m not a practicing attorney but I want to know so we can help and support you. Extract is listed below.


KURT SISTRUNK
CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
GALYESTON COUNTY
6W 59" STREET, SUITE 1001
CALVESTON, TEXAS 77550
JOEL BENNETT
Fin1 Asistan1
KATHLEEN MARX-SHARP
Grand Jury Chief
CAROLYN ADKINS
Chicf Investigator
ZONlA SMITH
Chicf Administrator
June 23,2008

Sheriff Gean Leonard
Galveston County Sheriffs Office
Galveston, Texas

RE: All-Terrain Vehicles Operated on the Beaches of Galveston County


Dear Sheriff Leonard:

Your office has requested our review of the applicable law related to the operation of golf carts and Utility Terrain Vehicles on the beaches of Galveston County. In doing so, we first looked to the definition of an All-Terrain Vehicle found in the Transportation Code at Section 663.001, wherein an ATV is defined as one that
(a) Is equipped with a saddle for the use of the rider;
(b) Designed to propel itself with three or four tires in contact with the ground;
(c) Designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and
(d) Not designed by the manufacturer for farming or lawn care.

We next looked to the definition of an All-Terrain Vehicle found in the Traffic Code at Section 502.001, wherein an ATV is defined as one that is
(a) Equipped with a saddle; bench or bucket seats for the use of the rider and a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;
(b) Designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;
(c) Designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and
(d) Not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.
Concerning the legal operation of an All-Terrain Vehicle, we looked to the Transportation Code, Section 663.037, wherein it is stated that;
(a) A person may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public street, road, or highway except as provided in this section.. . .followed by the noted exceptions.

I am aware of Chairman Hilderbran's letter stating that his intent in HB 3849 was to not completely prohibit the use of the Utility-Terrain Vehicles on public beaches, but by definition, the four (4) wheeled Utility-Terrain Vehicles are All-Terrain Vehicles, and by statute their operation is therefore limited to the noted exceptions. I think it is also significant to note that in the Bill Analysis of HB 3849, it is also acknowledged that this Bill was enacted to provide that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department be the
sole issuer of the "off-highway vehicle registration certificates" for these vehicles.

The Texas Department of Public Safety memorandum from February 5,2007 is not law; it is simply a statement describing TXDOT's decision to provide for the registration of Utility-Terrain Vehicles as "golf carts" as long as there is an accompanying affidavit for a Certificate of Title as a "Slow Moving Vehicle". Given that the statutory definition of a "golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course, the registration as a "golf cart" of a Utility-Terrain
Vehicle, which by statute is an All-Terrain Vehicle, does not impact the applicable law regarding its operation on a public street, road or highway.

In conclusion, based on all of the aforementioned statutes, previously discussed public safety concerns, and in conjunction and consideration of the Bill Analysis of HB 3849, wherein the Utility-Terrain Vehicles are recognized as an "off-highway vehicle", I am of the opinion that until such time as the applicable definition of an All-Terrain Vehicle is amended or other legislation is enacted that supersedes the current law, the Utility-Terrain Vehicles are in violation of the law if they are operated on a public street, road, or highway in any manner excluding the noted exceptions.

Should you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call.


Respectfully,
Kurt Sistrunk
 read more ...

WE STRONGLY LOVE THIS PLACE! Bob’s has always been one of are favorite places to eat. We love the burgers, pizza, crab nachos and the rib eye po-boy sandwich. Bob’s has a quite large menu and we are always noticing a variety of different foods coming out of the kitchen, but by and far the burgers rule The service is second to none and for being on the beach for all these years, we know that it must be a hard thing for any employer to get good help. Somehow, Bob is able to do this. His girls are the best of the best of any eating establishment on the beach. Brandi and Rocky are by and far two of the most concerned and caring people that you will ever meet. Bob, we are sure you take care of your employees because they actually cover your back more than you could ever imagine. You need to give these two a raise.
P.S. Bob, at first we never thought Jackie would make it. We figured you would send her packing. You made a wise decision to let her ride. She is a valuable asset as well.
 read more ...

My husband and I went there today and were very pleased with our entire dining experience. The environment was clean, classy, but very comfortable and inviting. Our waitress was very friendly and engaging as were the owner and his friends who also acknowledged us to say a polite hello.

The food was delicious - the crab nachos I've tasted to date. My husband actually smiled when he took his first bit of the catfish/shrimp dinner and told me this would be his new "spot." This is coming from someone who's not easily impressed. As for the prices, we felt that every dollar was well spent. We'll definitely be back soon.
 read more ...

In other coastal beach front areas in the state where a permit is required they use High school kids to walk the beach and confront auto owners w/o permits to purchase one or leave. They worked on min. wage plus a comission for number of stickers sold. I know I was checked at least three to four times by different kids selling the permits in one afternoon while parked at a corpus beach. One of the permit chekers told me they are issued stickers each morning and every eveing before going home they account with funds the stickers missing. They are kept honest by knowing they will be held accountable missing stickers. The kids love it cause they get to hang out out the beach while earning money..... Been working for years at Corpus beaches......  read more ...

My husband and I (permanent residents) have purchased our parking permits early each year for the discounted $5 and atleast five for friends/family. I understand that some cannot afford to do this. Although I can agree w/an earlier post regarding honoring senior/veteran discounts, I believe that the early-bird charge IS a discount. I wouldn't even mind buying an extra and if I see/hear of someone that truly cannot afford one, I would give them a sticker. BUT....when I ride my golf cart (w/parking sticker) to the beach and see "Joe Tourist" sipping a cold beer in bottle ($$$) and smoking his cigarette ($$$$) w/o his $5.00 ($10.00) sticker....give me a break. I have been present when the permit "police" have come by w/their hand out for the $10.00 and placed a sticker on the vehicle window and the people never complained. I am glad that the County hired someone specifically for enforcement, because I couldn't imagine adding another job duty to the two (sometimes one) green&white we have now, they can't handle what they have. I believe that the bottom line for all of us scratching our heads is the lack of consistancy in the enforcement. So, instead of going back and forth...call your news channels and newspapers. They love to dig into issues and maybe County officials will be prompted to address the enforcement issues w/a mic or camera in their face.
By the way, I believe this blog is regarding parking permit enforcement, not ATV/children on golf carts, although that blog really needs to get started!! read more ...

Bob’s is a great casual restaurant to go with friends and family. They give you large portions...it is almost like getting two meals in one. They also have great crab nachos that as the sign says are to die for. I love their shrimp kisses that are made right in that tiny kitchen that throws out food at a pace that is simply astonishing considering how busy it gets in there at night and on weekends.. My favorite is the cheeseburger with the crispy fries. These fries actually taste like potatoes. Not sure where or how they make them or if they order them from a company, but they are the best I have had other than the ones I do at home that take forever to deep fry. Just as long as they keep doing them, I really don’t care. The food is always fresh and the service is about as good as it gets. The place needs to be bigger. Maybe Bob will enlarge it. I enjoy coming to get good food for reasonable prices. I would recommend going to Bob’s. The place also has broadband internet service free and the coolest rotating fan I have ever seen. You can sit there for hours and not see all the neat stuff that adorns this establishment. One of my favorites anywhere I go and my number one place when I come to the beach. Bob, why don’t you go fishing? You have the staff to take care of the place. Don’t think about it, just do it ! You will feel better. Your friend……… read more ...

I really could not care less what is ridden on the beach, my beef was that we were paying for parking tickets that others were completely ignoring. As long as these people are respecting the 15 mph speed limit, it doesn't matter. Get these kids off these golf carts that don't know what they are doing. read more ...

I quess Bill did not read the fine print --- THESE rules policies and LAWS do not apply in Galveston County...... Where else would you find law enforcement that looks at citizens as fish to hook(ticket) out of an overflowing pond.... At least that is what Ole Sgt Hudson of the Galveston county Sheriff's office has been telling people he has been ticketing at Crystal Beach....... Maybe he should look into being a game warden instead......  read more ...

The Texas Open Beaches Act - Applicable Excerpts

§ 61.011. "It is declared and affirmed to be the public policy of this state that the public, individually and collectively, shall have the free and unrestricted right of ingress and egress to and from the state-owned beaches bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico, or if the public has acquired a right of use or easement to or over an area by prescription, dedication, or has retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public, the public shall have the free and unrestricted right of ingress and egress to the larger area extending from the line of mean low tide to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of Mexico."...

"The attorney general shall strictly and vigorously enforce the prohibition against encroachments on and interferences with the public beach easement. The attorney general shall develop and publicize an enforcement policy to prevent and remove any encroachments and interferences on the public beach. The land office may assist the attorney general in enforcing this subchapter."...

§ 61.013. "It is an offense against the public policy of this state for any person to create, erect, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint that will interfere with the free and unrestricted right of the public, individually and collectively, lawfully and legally to enter or to leave any public beach or to use any public beach or any larger area abutting on or contiguous to a public beach if the public has acquired a right of use or easement to or over the area by prescription, dedication, or has retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public."...

"No person may display or cause to be displayed on or adjacent to any public beach any sign, marker, or warning, or make or cause to be made any written or oral communication which states that the public beach is private property or represent in any other manner that the public does not have the right of access to the public beach as guaranteed by this subchapter."...

"No local government may regulate vehicular traffic so as to prohibit vehicles from an area of public beach or impose or increase public beach access, parking, or use fees in any manner inconsistent with the policies of Section 61.011 of this code or the rules promulgated thereunder."

 read more ...

I was under the impression that texas beaches belonged to the people and were to remain free for their any fees. Does the Attorney general know these parking fees are in being imposed by the county? read more ...

WELCOME to Galveston Politics at Crystal Beach...... Where the county sherriff's selectivly choose to enforce what ever they want when they want...... But don't worry to much about the enforcement, for 80 to 90 percent of the time the county sheriff's will be found standing around talking and eating donuts at the ferry landings....... read more ...

supposed to be a law against the mule, rangers, 4 wheelers, etc. everything except a golf cart. Not to worry though, they`re not enforced ! Why have rules/laws if you wont or cant enforce them ? read more ...

http://coastal.tamug.edu/am/Rollover_Pass_Bolivar_Peninsula/Rollover.pdf read more ...

I have owned a home in Caplen Shores for the past 50 years. My wife and I come to beach from Beaumont as often as possible. We have been through the wrath of Carla and Alicia. We have seen first hand the erosion that has taken place and continues to take place because of Rollover Pass. Granted, the pass provides recreational fisherman a place to fish during certain times of the year. The pass has also helped to provide better fishing along with an additional outlet for species of fish entering the East Bay. My question is “Is keeping the pass open worth it ? Our property is nearly gone. The State came in after Francis to install hay bales. The bales lasted until Claudette 4 years later. Then came the GEO tubes. We still had some beach left after the tubes were installed, but now however, after 6 years, the water lashes at the base of the tubes nearly daily. We still have 40 feet to the man made dunes. Do we intend to give up our retreat? No!!!!! We both are of the opinion that the state should either close the pass or install rock groins or perhaps even another jetty located between Crystal Beach and westward toward the pass. Look what has happened at the flats. The beach is growing daily. That portion of the beach is growing because of the sand that is being pushed westward. Why not do the same thing east of Crystal Beach? Why allow this sand to fill in Rollover bay? Only the barge traffic can cross now. In a boat, it is nearly impossible to use the ITCW to reach rollover bay. Any fisherman with a boat will confirm this. Here is an interesting link to read. This is an extensive research done by many faucets of researchers, scientist, state and federal officials. This comment is not meant to be a negative. Again, my wife and I have been quite successful in life and understand the economics and demographics of The Bolivar Peninsula. We love coming to our second home. We have seen the development and growth firsthand and in many ways have contributed to its present state. We, along with what I would hope to be the majority simply want to help. http://www.coastal.tamug.edu/am/Rollover_Pass_Bolivar_Peninsula/Rollover.pdf  read more ...

We are planning another beach week in August as we have for the last 16 years. Is there a ban on UTVs, such as the Polaris Ranger, on the beach?

I sure hope not, we enjoy riding it up and down the beach, especially after my wife had a stroke, affecting her ability to walk for long periods of time. Thanks, Wayne Mask  read more ...

"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do".
Dale Carnegie This is one of my favorite quotes.
 read more ...

"They are piling up to an approximate 12-15 foot height, with absolutely no visible "erosion". Ride the beach, son.....ride the beach. The entire beach. DAH !!!!!!!!
 read more ...

In response to Sonny's comment: I live on the same planet you do; what part of my commentary did you not understand?

Next time, try to leave something constructive. It's a whole lot easier than leaving demeaning, sarcastic remarks! read more ...

Mike: What planet......I mean peninsula do you live on ????? http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/erosion/cycle04/index.html read more ...

This is typical of the politicians and bureaucrats at the agency level. In this case the Texas GLO. Have they actually toured the Texas coastline? I'm sure there are places that this "erosion" exsiist, but as usual, kneejerk "rules and reg's", usually do not take into account the "majority of Texas coastal beaches" which has no erosion problems, but the small portion that do. Its always "the sky is falling" mentality.

Now my question is, will the juristriction of the City of Galveston "cave" with inducement of the promise from State funds to sign off on this ?

I see where the County seems to be balking at these GLO proposed rules and regulations. Will they cave?

Has the GLO seen the Bolivar Peninsula dunes. They are piling up to an approximate 12-15 foot height, with absolutely no visible "erosion".

Doe's everyone understand the difference between laws passed by the legislature and rules and regulations issued by the state agency responsible for implementation ?. How do they do that? Through, interpretation of the laws meaning, issuance of rules and regulations, which are often tested by the judicial court system.

Remember Will Rogers famous quoatation? "making of laws by Congress, is like making sausage. You do not want to watch how it's being made".

Mike Moreau
mlmoreau2003@yahoo.com read more ...

"peace of mind" on the peninsula. You got to be kidding. My recently painted, upgraded golf cart was stolen late last year. The sherriff's dept took all the information, including the serial #. I have yet heard a peep from them. I'm sure the "stolen" report went into the ole file 13. Better lock everything up, for the so called "peace of mind" But they can sure do a good job enforcing the "beach sticker", and "ATV ban on the beach!!!

Where's Barney Fiff when you really need him!!!!

Mike Moreau
Resident read more ...

Real estate seller disclosure act : §1022. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agent." Any broker, associate broker or salesperson, as defined in the act of February 19, 1980 (P.L.15, No.9), known as the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act.

"Buyer." Any individual, partnership, corporation, trustee or combination thereof purchasing any estate or interest in real property as provided under section 3(a).

"Final settlement." The time at which the buyer and seller have signed and delivered all papers and consideration to convey title to the estate or interest in real property being conveyed.

"Material defect." A problem with the property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the residential real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the land.

"Seller." Any individual, partnership, corporation, trustee or combination thereof transferring any estate or interest in residential real property as provided under section 3(a).

Who sold this property to you ? There are methods you may use to litigate your problem. My prior post is factual. This too is. read more ...

I just bought my land now the politicians want to change the rules. Who is going pay me for my damages or buy my lot now? read more ...

Beach rule proposals are fair and flexible

By Jerry Patterson
Contributor
Published June 12, 2008

Galveston County Commissioner Patrick Doyle, speaking about proposals to control coastal erosion, told Guidry News Service on June 5: “I’m not going to get on my soap box but, to me, when we get this kind of stuff from Austin, it is like somebody sitting in a tower with their foot up their ‘you know what’ and don’t have a clue about what goes on in the real world.”

To paraphrase Mark Twain, “It’s better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are ignorant of the facts than to open it and remove all doubt.”

One wonders what Commissioner Doyle would have said had he chosen to get on his soapbox?

I invite him to venture a few miles down the coast to Surfside and view the former front-row homes that are now standing in the water at high tide. That’s the “real world” on the Texas coast.

During the past six years, the Texas Legislature has spent more money than ever before to address coastal erosion.

As Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, I’ve spent those years working with lawmakers to increase their awareness of the coast’s needs.

I’ve lobbied hard for coastal funding. There is still much work to be done, but I am proud of what is being accomplished in Galveston and along the Texas coast thanks to the more than $55 million in taxpayer money the Legislature has provided to tackle coastal needs during that time.

Continued success in persuading the Texas Legislature to invest in our coast will only come if legislators see that we have been careful stewards of these tax dollars.

The new beach-and-dune rules proposed by the GLO will provide the tools local governments need to better protect the dunes and homeowners. They’ll also show the Legislature that the coastal communities asking for public funding to combat erosion are taking the issue seriously and planning for the future.

These proposed changes encourage, but don’t require, local coastal officials to create an erosion response plan. The proposed new rules give several options for local governments to consider when establishing a construction setback along eroding beaches of either:

1. 60 times the annual erosion rate, measured from the line of vegetation.

2. 25 feet landward of the landward toe of the dunes.

3. 300 feet landward of the mean-high-water line.

Or, local governments may even propose alternatives to these suggestions for what best fits their situation.

These erosion response plans are entirely voluntary. The proposed rules have been designed to allow local governments to tailor a plan that best fits their community’s needs, as no one-size-fits-all plan from Austin could ever work everywhere on the Texas coast.

These proposed rule changes are now out for public comment through July 17. General Land Office staff members have spent several weeks traveling the coast to make sure the comments from everyone concerned are heard.

I have made sure the rules grandfather existing legal construction and are flexible enough to allow local governments the room to propose alternative solutions to their individual erosion issues.

Almost everyone who lives in a coastal community would agree that local-government officials should have an erosion-response plan. But some officials are upset that I would even consider asking them to create such a plan or, worse yet, that I or any other TGLO commissioner would consider their voluntary erosion-control plan when handing out taxpayer dollars to address the erosion problems in their area.

The flexibility of these proposed rules — along with the many opportunities for exemptions — ensure that private property rights are respected. These proposed rules aren’t intended to keep anyone from building on their property. They will, however, help to protect that private property.

Jerry Patterson is commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.


 read more ...

Very interesting and truthful posts. I do not get that involved with this type of thing often, but I am mad too ! Ponder this !!!!!!!!!!!! Our Texas Gulf Coast
2008 Year of the Ocean Declared by United Nation sour OCEAN, THE GULF OF MEXICO
What is its future? Man has abused and polluted, but now has a brighter future. It has been accepted into MARPOL to stop ocean dumping. Today dumping is being monitored by the Center for Marine Conservation to identify the source. This change will ensure a healthy ecosystem for marine life and birds to flourish. Offshore oil rigs provide an "island of life for fish and plants". Twenty eight species of whales and dolphins are now known to exist in our Gulf.
TEXAS GULF COAST
What is its value? It is home to 65% of our nation's petrochemical industry. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway moves cargo worth billions of dollars annually. The Texas Birding Trail brings millions of tourists to our wetlands and shoreline, the fastest growing segment of our state's travel history.
NEGLECTED UPPER TEXAS COAST
What can be lost and what is its value? Continued severe erosion and an inevitable storm pose a giant threat to its future and to SH87, the only evacuation route for the Bolivar Peninsula. This perilous situation endangers our lives, the waterways, wetlands, birding sanctuaries, and economic growth on the peninsula, WITHOUT ANY GOVERNMENTAL RESPONSE TO ASSIST. Urgent attention to the Upper Texas Coast and its perilous situation is mandatory, before it is too late.
COMMIT YOURSELF
WE HAVE NO COASTAL
LOBBYISTS
EROSION OF THE UPPER TEXAS COAST
WHAT CAN WE DO? East Texas rivers have been dammed, blocking silt, which replenishes our beaches, from flowing into the Gulf. The 3 mile Sabine Pass Jetty stops east to west littoral currents from washing silt upon our shore. We need to bypass silt through dams and jetties, as Florida does, and pump known offshore sand deposits onto our beach. VEGETATION is our most valuable weapon to combat erosion. It traps blowing sand to build dunes, our fragile seawall, and elevates the beach for protection from high tides and storm surges.
WHAT MUST YOU DO?
STAY OFF dunes and upper beach vegetation. VEGETATED DUNES ARE NOT PART OF THE PUBLIC BEACH. Vehicles and footprints cause disaster. Erect elevated walkways over dunes to protect vegetation. Raise walkways when dunes have grown higher. Foot paths cause a gap in the dune line that could cause a washout during a storm. Plant gaps with natural vegetation.
STOP Galveston County's beach cleaning method, which scrapes the beach, pushes sand and debris onto the dunes, destroying all vegetation in its path, and removes natural objects which trap sand to build our dunes.
LEGISLATION - Our coast has no incorporated area to pass an ordinance for its protection, and counties cannot pass an ordinance. We must strive to have legislation enacted to delegate to coastal counties the power to pass ordinances for the safety of citizens and enhancement of our beach.
BE HEARD IN AUSTIN
HELP MOTHER NATURE
SH87 ON THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA
OUR ONLY EVACUATION ROUTE
ENDANGERED
HAS ROLLOVER PASS CONTRIBUTED
TO THIS PERILOUS SITUATION?
HERE ARE THE FACTS, YOU BE THE JUDGE
1955
Rollover Pass opened. Prior to this Intracoastal Waterway dredged once; today every 15 17 months.
1978 State threatened to close Rollover Pass due to erosion
1982 Legislative funding to stop erosion was bottlenecked, funds allocated for "a study".
1989 RestorP>ation of Gulf side of Pass began.
Repairs to Pass completed at a cost $2.6 million.
1993 One house fell into surf west side of Pass.
1996 Tropical storm Josephine scoured the beach and State Emergency 1992
Management was declared. Eleven houses were destroyed including five west of Pass. Four have been moved back to dubious safety.
1997 Corp of Engineers dredged waterway, County and State pumped stolen sand back through the Pass to replenish the beach.
1998 SH87 is a mere 300 feet from the beach near the Pass and its bridge. Over the past 31 years 400 feet of land has been lost west of the Pass.
WHAT HAS ALL THIS COST TAXPAYERS?
Money down the drain, without one step taken to find a Solution to protect SH87 and lives, homes and future of Texans. The amount of tax money spent on the pass for the past 43 years must be staggering. Severe erosion of SH87 and the upper Texas coast continues, WITHOUT ANY GOVERNMENT RESPONSE.
MUST WE HAVE A DEVASTATING
STORM TO GET ATTENTION?
Year of the ocean – 2008 - Get into it!
Severe erosion of our Upper Texas Coast is a major threat of disaster to SH87, our only evacuation route off the Bolivar Peninsula to safety. This perilous situation endangers our lives. Wetlands, intracoastal waterway, wildlife, future economic growth, and results in loss of tax dollars.
An inevitable storm will wash it all away. Urgent attention to the upper Texas Coast and SH87 is imperative and a solution to Rollover Pass must be found before is is too late.
 read more ...

Finally, the state is taking action. It’s about time. With all the BS going on over here about this NEW WORLD, I wonder if the GLO will make the beaches larger so more people will drive on beach and park on beach so more parking permits can be issued. Maybe the GLO will help be funded by these monies. By the way, has anyone noticed the pitiful job this corrupt water department is doing to our STATE HWY. I know it is tearing up the front end of my car on Hwy. and any of the north/south side streets you cross. But wait, the Hwy belongs to the state. The streets are the county’s responsibility. What is really going on over here? Does anyone really know? Does anyone really care? I know! It’s all about the money people. When the dust settles and the developers are gone, who do you think will pay for the man created mess? The local people that live here! That’s who will have to address this mess. Why is everything such a secret? Does anyone with a brain really think that a real estate person or a developer cares about us people that have lived here the last 20 to 30 years. I don’t think so.  read more ...

It's about time that the GLO and the state of Texas do something about what is going on as far as the illegal development along the Texas beaches. The only people benefitting from the sale of State proprerty are the realators and developers. Most of the buyers do not realize that even though they may be able to insure their built investment, the property will someday be gone and that is not an if, it's a when. Leave the beaches alone. Allow Mother Nature to take care of the beaches. Quit spending tax payers money on building trash dunes that allow FAKE dunes to appear and then along comes a developer and a real estate company trying to sell a FAKE lot for 300k or more. Wake up people. Enjoy what Mother Nature has provided us. Quit messing with Mother Nature and remember.........."Don't Mess With Texas" I am sick and tired of watching the County of Galveston rake plastic bottles and glass and whatever else is left on the beach from the TRASH Tourist that come here to mess up our home. Enough is enough. I am also sick and tired of hearing and seeing these beachfront lots selling for all this money. Folks, this land is overpriced. It has become a joke read more ...

I don't know what the big deal is. It states right there in the Texas Constitution that the beaches of the State of Texas belong to the people. Seems to me the GLO is only protecting the interest of the citizens of Texas and that of future Texans to the quiet enjoyment of their constitutionally protected beaches. read more ...

I understand the points written here and I posted my thoughts last yr. and included the Non English speakers with no stickers and their uncareing feelings for home owners and lease holders. trespassing and property stolen ect.
People camping on the beach left their tent and had everything taken. Pots pans and food.
My Having to stay in the dark to protect a boat from people trying to board after an accident took the owners to the hospital. No answer to calls for help. The list goes on and on.
We enjoy it here and feel the stickers should be strictly enforced. Not selectively. Now If we have access to all the beaches fines for littering should be written. Just because they claim not to speak and read ENGLISH is no excuse If I litter, ticket me. Deputys send people to Port Bolivar for free access. Instead send them to the Nude beaches. They don't mind doing all things in front of homes and families, pay nothing and leave their mess.
We are not young (70's) but I think the stickers a good Idea and needed.
We live here year round. Oh my notes were removed. Just the facts and true.
 read more ...

Don't count on it. The downward "line of communication" from the top, to the deputy's is spotty and unreliable at best! Don't expect any relief.

This UTV, ATV etc discussion of the problem has been going on since last year. Interested citizens, Board members of the chamber, our State Rep., and our Galveston Co. Officials have weighed in on the issue favorably, with a lot of rhetoric, promises, and BS. Cleary, the majority of these post's appears to weigh heavily toward abolishing this obnocious law. Has anything been accomplished? NOPE.

Again, I am 65 years old. My wife of 40 years, we should be able to drive our Polaris Ranger on the beach! I refuse to "register, license, etc". This only forces me to pay all the tax's associated with licensing a vehicle. We are already excessivly taxed!

The author of this ridicolous law ban appears to claim "Oh, that's not what I meant". It seems that our state legislators, as well as federal, feel that they MUST introduce legislation (needed or not) to "make their mark". Would'nt it be refreshing to see a newly elected congressmen introduce legislation to "abolish exising stupid, feel good legislation?"

Mike Moreau
409 457-3391
mlmoreau2003@yahoo.com
We retired here. Thinking twiice about it now read more ...

I am in favor of the parking stickers and have them on my vehicles even tho we dont drive and park on the beach. But, if you are going to have "rules", ENFORCE them ! 100`s of cars are "parked" on the beach on any given weekend without stickers. ENFORCE your own rules ! read more ...

Sounds promising. I hope my ticket will also be resolved. read more ...

I spoke with Craig Eiland's office today and Craig Eiland met with Sheriff Leonard and Galveston County District Attorney yesterday and Galveston County is suppose to issue new guidelines for UTV's on the beach this week. Hopefully the new guidelines will allow Mule & Ranger type vehicles on the beach.
 read more ...

Mike......more people than you think read these posts. Anne does a whole bunch of things for the community that most folks never see. All of your issues and concerns are being addressed. As a member of the C of C and as a board member.......we continue to hear these issues over and over again. I can assure you that we take all issues seriously. We, as business owners DO understand that without people like you and ALL others that come to the peninsula, that without your continued patronage, none of us would be in business. Give us some time and it will be better. Together we can make things better. read more ...

I don't see any reason why disabled veterans or seniors shouldn't be able to get a free sticker upon presentation of the approriate document to the County ticket sales agent. I intend on writing to them to request just such a program be instituted. It never hurts to ask. Seniors and disabled veterans have paid enough. read more ...

The ferry landing "security checks" is a big joke and a complete waste of taxpayer money.

It is another of our governments "feel good", knee jerk reactions, which accomplishes absolutely nothing. Everytime I get "inspected", I ask the personnel if they have EVER found a WMD. I always get a "no" answer", and this has been going on now for several years!

However, I can see some benefits:

1. provides employment for the needy thru a private contractor
2. If you get "inspected" you go to the front of the line!!

I guess common sense is non existent!
Mike Moreau read more ...

Responding to Lee Crowder, Manager Galveston County Road and Bridge @ Thursday, June 05, 2008 8:14 AM post.

Is the parking sticker money collected on the Bolivar peninsula, used strictly for beach cleanup for our beaches on the peninsula?

While I'm at it, the roads in my subdivision, Tidelands, have numerous potholes, some the size and depth of a small canyon. It is my understanding that the County is responsible for maintenance of these roads on the Bolivar Penisula.

Mike Moreau
2760 Gulfview Ln
Crystal Beach
409 457-3391 read more ...

I want everyone to know that I promptly received a reply (within 15 minutes) from a chamber representative, Ann Willis, concerning issues in my previous commentary post. She was extremely helpful and answered all my questions/issues satisfactorily.

Also, within the next day or two, the beach was scraped of all the seaweed, including all the litter, which I presume was encased in the seaweed. So, if Ann had anything to do with prompt action by the County, I complement her!

She gave me the name of the County representative to call.

She informed me that the "no ATV beach ban law" was in the process of being amended, to hopefully acceptable restrictions, rather than an outright ban. It will be interesting to learn a time frame for this proposal.

Lastly, I do not know who all reads these comments at the Chamber website, but I damn sure know Ann Willis does!!!!

Thanks Ann
Still your friend,
Mike Moreau read more ...

Mr. Rankin on my last post I also wanted to tell you that myself along with the other residents of Gilcrest, Crystal Beach, and Port Bolivar want to welcome You and Your family to our area. It is always good to have new and fresh attitudes and ideals to come into our community.  read more ...

We travel a few times a year to the Port Bolivar/Galveston area, so that we can bring our RV down for a small vacation. My husband is a Gulf War veteran, and currently listed as 100% disabled due to military injuries. Our entire life has changed financially for the very worst, and I have had to become the head breadwinner for the family. I am a school teacher in a small, rural, East Texas town. The gas to bring down a RV to your area is now outrageous, and on top of it, the local RV parks have now raised their rates on top of the gas expense and other raised travel expenses. I really don't mean to complain, but some of us have enough to pay for without having to pay for a beach permit. It should be considered that, people who pay the high RV park/resort rates, should automatically receive a beach parking permit. We come down for a month, and the rates from last year to this year have increased by at least one-third. It is crazy to pay $450 a month to stay in your RV parks, when the majority of RV owners have enough added expense just moving it around to your area. Shame on you, RV park owners! When we come down, we eat out at your restaurants, go to your stores, buy your gas, and try to have enough money to find some entertainment, such as fishing, etc. I am not asking for a hand-out, but you should consider giving a Texas veteran, the elderly and disabled a break on the parking permits. The State park system does. Why can't you? If gas keeps going up, people like me will not have the money to drive an RV around--you guys in business there need to consider the future economic picture of our country, if gas keeps rising, because it affects everything else. Don't keep nickel and diming the rest of us who come down to your area for everything you can get out of us. It makes me angry to see that you have added a beach parking permit fee.

My husband has given his life for this country with over 20 years of active duty and reserve assignments, resulting in the loss of all but 1/3 of his stomach, has crushed vertebrae in his spine and a burned/grafted leg. He is on major medicines, and it is all we can do to find money to get away once or twice a year to your area, using our RV. All he can do is sit on the beach and watch the boats and birds, and ask for a little peace for a few hours a day. People like him deserve some kind of break from your continual efforts to get money, any way you can. Sorry, I don't want to offend anybody, but as the song says, "All gave some; some gave all." read more ...

I noticed Mr. Rankin is the only one to date that has posted a comment in favor of the long wait times for the ferry..... At least there is one happy customer.... TXDOT would love to here from you... Be interesting to see what Mr. Rankin thinks a few years down the road as we have been with this situation will have to say then.......  read more ...

Hi i am now calling Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach my home. Iam retired and in no hurry so for me waiting on the ferry is no big deal. And i love the ferry ride,and Galviston so there is my two cents worth.LOL have a great day. :-) read more ...

I would like to share with everyone interested the addition services the Beach Parking Sticker Fee has added to Beach Maintenance for the Road and Bridge Department.

1) Trash Barrels - Increased the schedule to 3 times/week in the month of March (spring break), added (15) new barrels from Rettilon Rd to Los Patos. The barrels were re-positioned in this area and numbered with an aluminum sign. The barrels are equally spaced every 660' or 1/8 of a mile apart. There is currently 127 barrels in this area.

2) Added - ADA Port-a-cans (4) Additional units

3) Increased Liter Picking schedule - (3) Additional services for (April, May, June) Past years the county provided a vendor to hand pick liter after the four major holiday events. The three additional liter picking service provides continuous coverage from March to September.

The Bolivar Peninsula Beaches were hit with a moderate wave of sargassum, starting Memorial Day Weekend. The crews have worked diligently to remove the seaweed to date. The department approved overtime and rented additional equipment to expedite this process.

If you have any question or concerns pleas call 409-684-1472.







 read more ...

I second Mr.Moreau stated opions - We really got missled about how the Beach Parking Permits funds would improve our Beach front. Just go look at South Padre beach's and you will see how a clean-up program really works..... It is looking like beach parking permits funds (beach use tax) was really there to fund additional personnel ( law enforcment) for Galveston county. We already pay more than a fair share of taxes to fund the law enforcement as it is.... I sure would like to meet this new law enforcement officer our beach parking permit funds is funding, so I can find out why the other Galveston county officers continue to deal out selective enforcement on OUR beaches. It seems to me if the beach front is to be treated as a state road as Galveston county law enforcement keeps stating, we should see TXDOT personnel cleaning and perfroming road repairs/improvements ( building public restrooms trash clean/pickup). I quess this why everybody at first glance thinks that Glicrest, Crystal Beach, and Port Bolivar is such a great place until they try to use our beach front where they get introduced to Galveston county politics.......  read more ...

Nice Place on Rollover Pass, Gilchrist,Tx. Frishermans dream! sunsets from here on the bay ......... you just got to see it. read more ...

Anytime my friends and family come down and I have no room Wanda always find them a nice place in Gilchrist! read more ...

please,please,please do not over develop the peninsula! I love it because it is not over priced or touristy. More development will price it out of my range and the range of many other lower income folks who like to vacation too. I would just cringe if I were ever to see a fast food chain established there or too many pretentious businesses catering to rich Houstonites who easily afford Miami Beach. Keep it down home and real. read more ...

No i do not have an atv. and i still think crystal Beach is great! read more ...

I see several times in this propaganda web site, comments about the "beautiful beach's". We live here in the Tideland's subdivision and we walk the beach for exercise. For the past couple of weeks, including last weekend, during our walks, we have observed the "beautiful beach" covered with litter such as trash, beer cans/bottles, plastic bottles, crates, etc.

When the Chamber of Commerce initiated the "beach parking sticker" program by partnering with Galveston County, I was told by the Chamber President that the money would be used for "beach clean up" ,after I inquired how the money would be spent. This reply came following my statement to her, that this was just another frickin tax ;she argued it was NOT a tax but a fee. I responded, that anytime it is a enforced by a governental body, and you have no choice but to pay it, it is a frickin tax.

Now I read in this website that Galveston County has "contacted" Bolivar Officials (just who were these officials) to try to determine "how to spend the money"! Hello, what happened to beach cleanup? Also,since the program was a "hugh success", who in the hell approved the $8,000 expenditure for enforcement?. Friendly enforcement? You have got to be kidding!

Additionall, since we pay county taxes for roads, ditch clean up, beach cleanup, welfare, etc. where in the hell is the county equipment to scrape up the mounds of sea weed that is piled up on our "beautiful beach's", with a stinking sour smell, coupled with all the trash interwoven in it.?

Lastly, at least for now, we also bought a Polaris Ranger ATV 4 years ago for us to drive on the beach. I am 65 years old and my wife is 62 and now we are told that we cannot drive it on the beach!!!.

I would love to hear from the Chamber President about these complaints, but I bet I wont ever hear from anyone at the chamber. Especially since it is doubtful that anyone at the chamber actually reads this forum. We'll see.

Mike Moreau
2760 Gulfview Lane
409-457-3391 read more ...

Sure hope Mr. Rankin does not own or planning to own a UTV to use at crystal beach...... I too use to believe Crystal Beach was the place to be, that was until my eyes were opened to the politic's of the Chambers county and the sheriff office who is suspose to provide law inforcement for Crystal Beach.  read more ...

Crystal Beach is one of the best places i have ever been. And as far as i can see this is my new HOME!!!!! Thank you Crystal Beach. read more ...

We need some help, or at least some advice on where to go for help.

We have a Kawasaki mule. We bought it, as our friends also intended to do, to use in South Texas during hunting season and on the beach at Bolivar Peninsula in summer.

Now they are refusing to let us drive on the beach, although golf carts driven by 10 year olds appear to be totally legal.

Have you had any experience with these statutes or do you know where we can go for more information? Someone told us we could get a registration license, but someone else said we'd also have to get an inspection sticker which entails expensive anti-pollution devices.

This hardly seems fair at all. We agree the 4-wheelers and dune buggies needed controlling. But no one drives a Kawasaki mule on the dunes. Many of the golf carts are bigger and go as fast if not faster than the mule does.

What's worse, most golf carts we see on the beach are driven by 10± year olds! They careen around our neighborhood at full speed, taking corners on two wheels. I have NEVER seen one of these kids stopped by the sheriff.

How can you so blatantly discriminate against mules when these golf carts are permitted?

Help! We don't want to relocate, but we have an autistic son and that "mule" is his access to the beach. We'll go wherever we can use it. If we're not welcome at Crystal Beach, we'll just find a beach somewhere else. read more ...

Bruce ...I thank every one is looseing sight of what the law says. Chairman Hildbran did not intend house bill 3849 to unilaterally ban utv from the beach the intention is for these vehicles to be registed with the P&W dept.and receive a offhighway vehicle decal it's not the bill it's the sheriff office and the district attorney i all so thank hudson has a lot to do with this read more ...

BG -- Sorry about that...... Have you registered your UTV as a SMV yet???? I just completed registering mine a couple weeks ago.... All the county wanted was a picture of the UTV, and a signed form they provided. So when sheriff Hudson said the county office did not know what they are doing when they registered the UTV as an SMV, maybe he should stick to doing his job and let the county clerk do theirs..... They seem to know more about what they are doing than Hudson knows about the law he is suspose to inforce........... He and the galveston county sheriff office have angered many people on this issue and it will not be allowed to just be swept under the covers as they would like...... read more ...

Don't put me in with the GEEZ Klown.

I have an unused $11.500 Ranger that has not been on Crystal Beach this year. My comment was directed at that GEEZ fool that blithely accepts what the Sooper Troopers say.

 read more ...

BG/GEEEZ - You two must be the ones supplying the DONUTS for YOUR stormtroopers at the ferry landings........ We all will get over it as soon as YOU TWO send each us the 10,000.00 plus we paid to buy these UTV's that YOUR stromtroopers acknowledge as legal to operate until this past March 2008. Until then you two just better get use to seeing more postings about this issue until it is resolved..... The fact is that these UTV's that ARE LEGALLY REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS AS SMV's have every right to drive on the beach as unregistered golf carts and all other registered vehicles do..... Just because YOUR stormtroopers say they do not have the right to operate on the beach does not make it so legally..... Your stormtropers are suspose inforce the laws not make them up to suit there pesonal agenda..... It sure funny only one of these stormtroopers seem to be causing all the problems currently........ All of us UTV owners respect your opinion on this issue but your gonna have also respect ours.............  read more ...

I guess if they outlaw your licensed & insured vehicle an then ticket you, you're just gonna get over that???

Get ready for the Stormtroopers you pathetic little sheep. read more ...

geez get over it!!!! You knew it was outlawed but you still tried it anyways. grow up read more ...

Neil, I'm sending you my contact information. I should not have to pay money for a lawyer to fight a ticket for doing absolutely nothing wrong. I'm already out enough money in diesel and worthless parking passes. I will not pay a fine for this ticket, I will not pay a dime in court costs, I have multiple witnesses, and I have no trouble getting the media and newspapers involved. This is total BS, me having to fight a ticket for backing a fully licensed, registered and insured UTV (it is not an ATV) off the back of my trailer onto the beach. I never even drove it, but Officer Hudson told my wife that we were fixing to. This Officer Hudson needs to be repremanded for his conduct and I'll do my best to see that it is done. The process will start today. read more ...

I am from Lafayette, Louisiana. I visited Crystal Beach this past Memorial Day week end. During our visit, a group of us went to Bob’s. We had noticed that the place had broadband services and decided to give it a try. The place was packed and the food was wonderful. However, two things stand out about this place. Number one, it reminded me so much of home. I frequent New Orleans on a monthly basis and this place is so very much like a quarter bar. The second thing and perhaps the most important one was the owner. I was having a tough time trying to connect to the network and asked for help. One of the waitresses said she would go get someone to help me. It happened to be Bob. I could tell that he was a little agitated but I could expect this because the place was packed. He sat down and said let me have this thing and turned it to his side of table. He looked at the laptop and looked at me and said “ I have one of these and Dell is Hell “ I did not quite understand what he meant but he spent 15 minutes of his time all while exchanging pleasantries. He was finally able to connect the laptop and then he said, “ Sorry about what I said earlier but Dell computers always have a trouble picking up the signal. I then understood what he had said when he first arrived at our table. He thanked us for coming in and asked if everything was alright. I then realized that this man really cared for his customers and I went on and thanked him. This type of service is priceless and that is probably why the place was packed. I highly recommend this place and want to again thank Bob. Bob, you have a really nice business. Our group will be back.
 read more ...

Alice is simply one the best Realtors on the Texas coast. Honesty and Knowlege.  read more ...

It's not only at Bolivar, we're experiencing the same thing at Crystal Beach so don't feel alone. Memorial Day weekend we did have an incident w/4 vehicles w/hispancies that were doing wheelies,stopped, popped the truck and then opened the beer bottles Enforcement did arrives and before you know it, these people took off. What a "God Send". You're not alone in your problems. read more ...

Eileen, the reason they aren't interested in the permit violators, littering, glass containers or any other illegal activity on the beach is because they are too pre-occupied with stopping us old timers from leisurely riding our UTV's on our beach.

Cathy, you are right about needing more trash cans and people to clean up because it is going to get worse before it gets better. With only selective enforcement of certain laws, the Galveston County sheriff's department seems to be catering to the younger folks who come in and party it up, litter it up and leave it for someone else to clean up. read more ...

Poor Managment and customer service. Owner needs to evaluate his employees conduct to the customers. read more ...

Writing bogus tickets for UTV on the beach is probably much eaiser than solving brutal rape and murder of a 28-year-old mother from Orange.

Way To Go Galveston County Sheriff's Office!

 read more ...

I can not understand why Galveston SO is so worried about enforcing UTV's on the beach especially if it is registered by the state and furthermore, it has insurance. If you get hit by a golf cart, who will end up paying for the damages? At least with the registered utv's, they are insured to cover damages. There are too many kids driving golf carts on the beach, they are spinning out in them and weaving between other vehicles, but nothing is being done in the safety of the public. Better yet, Galveston SO is worried about enforcing getting utv's off the beach which is being driven by "adults". If the tax office registers your vehicle that should mean it makes it legal to be driven down the beach, why would Galveston deputies tell you it is still illegal even if it is registered? If they think it is illegal, then wouldn't you think they should take it up with the Tax Office? Per the transportation code most utv's fit the definition of a light truck as long as they satisfy the definition of a slow moving vehicle then they are perfectly legal.  read more ...

I am hoping that the increased sale of permits will bring about more trash cans and cleaner beaches. We bought property here a couple of years ago and are waiting to build. Over spring break we rented a beach house and we were horrified at the amount of trash left on the beach. It was all floating into the ocean. We ran down to the store, bought trash bags and with our children cleaned up other people's garbage for 4 hours. I have to admit, I have a real concern about living here permanently and facing this issue on a daily basis.  read more ...

We senior citizens driving UTV's on the beach are an "Easy Hit" for the Sheriff's Office. It helps fill their ticket quota and show that they are enforcing the law. Besides we don't offer any conflict. I've contacted Harvey Hildebran (author of HB 3849), Craig Eiland, Sheriff's Office, District Attorney and Govenor Perry. Nobody wants to take responsibility for HB 3849. Most UTV owners I see on the beach are well behaved law abiding citizens. We're and "Easy Hit" for Galveston County. As far as I'm concerned, Sheriff Gene Leonard needs to be replaced by a new sheriff in November with someone that will take responsibility and use good judgement in his department.  read more ...

Seems they are only discriminating against the utv riders in Crystal beach area. I heard they are riding utv's and atv's on the beach south of San Luis Pass which is in Galveston County. How can that be? I'm also interested in the class action suit. Just curious, isn't this an election year for sheriff leonard? If so, who's running against him? read more ...

Between golf course back to Selwyn, we're not seeing tickets or permits given out. Talked to two officers riding 4-wheelers in this area and obviously they were not interested in checking out permits. They rode through this area without even stopping. Majority of vehicles did not have permits although they were camped all weekend. Visitors did not mind leaving their trash behind along w/pampers, bottles, plastic bags. Getting old seeing this every weekend and nothing being done. read more ...

Man am I glad I didn't chance it this weekend and decide to spend my money in Galveston/Crystal Beach..... My UTV stayed safe in its parking spot at the house and didn't cost me a dime...... Count me in on the class action when you all get that together....  read more ...

Hah! This is a crock. These guys apparently don't even have the cash to finish out the developments they've already started.

It'll never happen read more ...

Neil - Because of a shot battery we were un able to use our Ranger this weekend..... Did go once to the beach front with our golf cart but just turned around after seeing how crowded it was.... So I see the G/C has now decided to issue citations on this matter.... When my wife called Friday and asked the G/C's sheriff office if they were going to allow registered UTV's beach access they replied only legal registerd vehicle's were alowed. When futher questioned about registered UTV's they replied that if the registered vehicle could be driven on I45 to Houston form Galveston it would be considered leagl. What a joke...... When questioned the state highway patrol there response was if it has a current SMV registeration it is legal to drive. Wether the registeration is legal or not was determined at the time it was registered. It looks like Craig Eiland did not make any head way with G/C sheriff office. Besides a class action suit we (UTV) owners still need to get together for the 2009 legislative session to get Craig Eiland to straighten this mess out...... I sure you guy's will beat this ..... most likely not in G/C's court room but surley in a state court room. Let me know if we can be of any assistance to you guy's on this on going issue......... read more ...

For the life of me i can not see why gc will ignore so many other violations just to pop us old guys on there utv s , someone in gc is calling the shots that hammer utvs . looks to me like a class action suite aganist gc or the state because one of them must be wrong and the state is making alot of money from utv regesteration and even charging me a road and bridge fee. read more ...

Sorry to hear that Donnie. You are not the only one ticketed this weekend. I can't for the life of me understand Galveston County. It is off to court. We are going beyond Galveston Country Court with this. If you get a lawyer you can beat this. Send me yoru contact information, NJ77095@Yahoo.com . Now that damages have been incurred, a class action law suite from UTV owners and operator affected by these idiots is a real option. The remaining details will not be made public as we look toward legal action of our own with Galveston County.  read more ...

I wanted to repost what happened to us on Sunday, May 25th onto this thread. I am at a loss for what I can do here. I want to file a complaint with the Galveston County Sheriffs dept but don't want to get into a big legal debate. I tried to explain to Officer Hudson that I am fully legal to drive my mule but he never even looked at my registration or insurance. He even told my wife that we must have lied to get the mule registered in Chambers County, because it was impossible to register them. If he would have looked at my registration, he would have seen that the kawasaki mule comes from the factory not to exceed 25 mph, thus putting it directly into the slow moving vehicle UTV category. It has been registered and plated since early 2007 and we just renewed it for this year. We were ticketed for operating an atv on a roadway, but we never even drove the mule. We unloaded it from the trailer, but never even drove it 1 foot. When we informed Officer Hudson that we had just arrived and we haven't even driven the mule ( I even showed him the tire tracks), he said yeah, but you were fixing to. We saw many other mule type vehicles and very few with plates. We asked why they were not being stopped and he told me a story about how when you go fishing, you can't catch all the fish. I had read Craig Eiland's letter before we drove an hour and a half to make sure we'd be able to ride the mule. I think I was given the ticket just because I questioned Officer Hudson's interpretation of the law regarding utility vehicles.

Here is my post from the other thread.

I thought we had some resolution on this, but I guess I was wrong. Today, my wife and I loaded up the trans mule (fully registered, plated and insured), put $90.00 of diesel in the truck, drove an hour and a half to Crystal Beach, went into The Big Store and purchased 2 beach parking passes, 1 for the mule and 1 for the truck, the time was 1:50 pm. We then proceeded to the beach to find a parking spot. It was very crowded today. We finally found a spot to park, I disconnected the tie downs for the mule and backed it off the trailer. My wife and I were in the process of loading our chairs, ice chest, etc into the mule so we could cruise up and down the beach when an officer D. Hudson from the Galveston County Sheriffs office pulls beside our stationary mule and informs us that we can no longer ride it on the beach. I let officer Hudson know that my mule is registered as a slow moving vehicle, has proper plates, insurance and the newly purchased parking pass on it. He proceeds to ask me for my name, address, etc and writes me a ticket for operating an atv on a roadway. The time was 2:15 pm, exactly 25 minutes from the time I purchased my parking pass. I inform him that we had just arrived, and that we only backed the mule from the trailer, that we were not operating an atv and that it wasn't on a roadway. He said I needed to talk to the judge. I was not rude to him in any way and I also have witnesses. All we could after that was load up the mule and drive home. Our Memorial day was not very memorial at all. Now I face a court date and I intend on fighting this ticket. Please let this be a warning to anyone thinking this issue has been resolved. I learned the hard way and other than my court date I will never frequent Crystal Beach again. read more ...

$10.00 is a small price to pay for a full year of parking on great beaches, extra security, cleaner beaches, and whatever else that small fee can provide for the residents of Bolivar Peninsula. I'm very happy with the new sticker program!!! read more ...

Why are registered utility vehicles getting tickets for riding on the beaches. There is a Sgt. Hudson that writes tickets everytime someone rides a registered utility vehicle on the beach. It has already been hashed out in the courts that these vehicles are legal and can be ridden on any streed or highway in the state of Texas except a freeway or interstate. He continues writting tickets and telling people he will do this "just because he can" and them telling them after they expain that their vehicle is register, licesned and insured to take it up with the judge. These Mules, Rangers, Rhinos, Gators etc. are registered as slow moving vehicles and his is writing these tickets just because he feels he is above the law. This must be stopped before some angry law abiding citizen takes out their aggressions out on him. Please look into this matter. read more ...

Damn Donnie, that sucks hard.

I dunno who put a burr in GCSO's panties
but they sure seem to have a large erection for UTV's.
 read more ...

I thought we had some resolution on this, but I guess I was wrong. Today, my wife and I loaded up the trans mule (fully registered, plated and insured), put $90.00 of diesel in the truck, drove an hour and a half to Crystal Beach, went into The Big Store and purchased 2 beach parking passes, 1 for the mule and 1 for the truck, the time was 1:50 pm. We then proceeded to the beach to find a parking spot. It was very crowded today. We finally found a spot to park, I disconnected the tie downs for the mule and backed it off the trailer. My wife and I were in the process of loading our chairs, ice chest, etc into the mule so we could cruise up and down the beach when an officer D. Hudson from the Galveston County Sheriffs office pulls beside our stationary mule and informs us that we can no longer ride it on the beach. I let officer Hudson know that my mule is registered as a slow moving vehicle, has proper plates, insurance and the newly purchased parking pass on it. He proceeds to ask me for my name, address, etc and writes me a ticket for operating an atv on a roadway. The time was 2:15 pm, exactly 25 minutes from the time I purchased my parking pass. I inform him that we had just arrived, and that we only backed the mule from the trailer, that we were not operating an atv and that it wasn't on a roadway. He said I needed to talk to the judge. I was not rude to him in any way and I also have witnesses. All we could after that was load up the mule and drive home. Our Memorial day was not very memorial at all. Now I face a court date and I intend on fighting this ticket. Please let this be a warning to anyone thinking this issue has been resolved. I learned the hard way and other than my court date I will never frequent Crystal Beach again. read more ...

The bulk of that money collected will go to good use, helping to keep our beaches clean, etc. read more ...

Good luck. I think you will find yourself in a never ending series of court dates. They don't want a resolution, they just want UTV's to go away.

 read more ...

Friday May 23, 2008
Sheriff Deputies still threating to ticket and tow Mules & Rangers for driving on roads & beach. They said, "Letters from Harvey Hildebran and Craig Eiland don't change the law". They said Sheriff Leonard & Galveston District Attorney are saying to enforce the law including prohibiting Mules & Rangers on the beaches & roadways. Only golf carts are allowed. Bolivar always gets the Sheriff Dept. best officers don't we...???

I'll be on the beach on Saturday with my Ranger with Slow Moving Vehicle plate and 6' safety flag delivering "Produce" from the field. (Blackberry picking and delivering Tomatoes) This is a legal activity. I hope I see Galveston County's Deputy's. I'm sure the deputies will be rude, crude and disrespectful again. I will welcome their tickets & towing. Let's go to Court and see what happens. read more ...

Funny how the stickers (permits) brought in $8000 dollars more than expected and they decided to spend the exact same amout $8000 to hire extra Law Enforcement to collect more money. Shows exactly what it is : a money making ponzi scheme set up by galveston County to bleed tourists dry. read more ...

PLEASE SEND ME DIRECTIONS AND MOTEL AROUND DE JA VIEW  read more ...

I love visting here. Almost anything goes, the people are friendly the water is warm and the beers are always cold. Great fun during the summer and tranquil the rest of the year, almost like having your own private beach in the off season. Love it Love it Love it !!! read more ...

WOW! Hats off to Mr. Eiland. I had all but given up on him helping us. That is an excellent letter and in mind it puts the ball squarely in sherriff Leonard's court. I now have renewed hope this may all be straightened out. Thanks for post Neil. read more ...

All,

The following is an extraction from PDF to text through an OCR. The only changes were to correct the spelling that the OCR failed to properly translate. All documents were sign by the respective representatives. Read and use at your own risk.



HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE, RECREATION AND TOURISM
May 12, 2008
Dear Representative Eiland;

This letter is to address the issue we discussed involving the use of utility terrain vehicles
(UTVts) on Texas beaches, in particular, those located in Galveston County. During the
80th Legislative Session, I introduced House Bill 3849, relating to the registration of allterrain vehicles by the Texas Department of Transportation. Previously, both the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
issued decals for all-terrain vehicles. The voluntary nature of TxDOTts registration
program, as well as the costs of safety education and training delivery without state
funding, were leading to a potentially unsustainable situation. The purpose of this
legislation was to repeal certain statutes that authorize TxDOT to issue an all-terrain
vehicle registration certificate and decal, and transfer those responsibilities to Texas
Parks and Wildlife.

The bill redefines "all-terrain vehicle" in Section 502.001 of the Texas Transportation
Code, and Section 502.006 addresses the registration of these vehicles. The intention is
for these vehicles to register with the Parks and Wildlife Department and receive an "offhighway vehicle decal on the payment of the fee under Section 29.003(b)." In my
discussions with TxDOT and Texas Parks and Wildlife, neither entity has interpreted the
changes as categorically prohibiting the use of these vehicles on the beaches. It was
never my intention in HB 3849 to completely prohibit the use of these vehicles on public
beaches.


Sincerely,
Chairman, House Committee on Culture,Recreation and Tourism
Members: Dawnna Dukes (CBO), Mark Homer, Larry Phillips, Donna Howard, Mike O'Day
PO. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78768-2910 Room E2.134 5 12-463-1974


TEXAS HOUSE OF R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
Capitol, Extention E 1.204
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768-2910
Tel: 800.345.2630
Fax: 512-469-0149
Galveston Office:
2423 Market Street, Suite 1
Galveston, Texas 77550
Texas City Office
9702 E.F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, Texas 77591
Tel: 409.763.3260
Fax: 409.763.8154
CRAIGEI LAND
May 14, 2008
The Honorable Gean Leonard
Sheriff
Galveston County
715 19th St.
Galveston, Texas 77550-2301

Dear Sheriff Leonard:
I am writing to you regarding tickets being issued for driving UTV's on the beach of Bolivar Peninsula. My office, as well as other State Representatives and Senators, have been contacted by numerous individuals concerned with the Galveston County Sheriff Department's interpretation of House Bill 3849 from the 80th Legislative Session. For individuals using the vehicles in a responsible manner and simply transporting fishing and other equipment to and from the beach and for general transportation purposes, I do not believe there has been any change in the law, and certainly not any intentional change in the law. I strongly oppose citizens abusing the beach and breaking other vehicular laws such as speeding, but that does not seem to be the case for many of these individuals. The bill passed the legislature with the intent to mandate that these vehicles be registered before being used in our parks and on our beaches.

I have contacted the author of the bill, Chairman Harvey Hilderbran, and he did not intend for House Bill 3849 to unilaterally ban UTV's from being driven on beaches. I am attaching the letter he wrote explaining his legislative intent with regards to this bill. The bill was merely intended to simplify and streamline the registration process for these types of vehicles. Before HB 3849, registration was being handled by two separate agencies, the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The bill consolidated the program under Texas Parks and Wildlife.

I have also contacted both agencies and my staff has been in contact with other coastal
communities over the last few weeks to determine how the bill is being implemented. From these conversations, it seems that Galveston County is the only jurisdiction that has interpreted it as completely prohibiting these vehicles from the beach. I am particularly concerned about this reading of the bill when similar vehicles such as golf carts are still allowed. The differences in the two seem to be minor and do not constitute a ban.
Many of the individuals we have spoken with are upset because they have invested a significant amount of money into vehicles they were told would be allowed on the beach. Information needs to be disseminated regarding your interpretation of these rules so that individuals may make appropriate decisions before investing in a costly vehicle they cannot use.

With Memorial Day and summer fast approaching, I would like to sit down with you to discuss this issue further so that we might find some resolution. I will be in contact soon to set up a time for us to meet. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Craig Eiland

 read more ...

I'll try and extract them from the PDF and post the text. In the meantime, anyone wanting a copy can send me their e-mail address to: nj77095@yahoo.com.

 read more ...

Ronald -- The letters are stored in my computer in PDF format. If you give me a valid E-Mail address I will send them to you as an attachment. May be Neil has a way to display them here, but I do not..... You will want to read these letters..............  read more ...

Bruce or Neil, could one of you post a copy of these letters on this forum so others could see what is going on. There are a couple of us who will also be down there this weekend but probably won't be on beach the with our UTV's because they can't be registered in our county. We primarily go down there to fish but did purchase $10K UTV's last year just to ride on the beach. I have called Craig's office bi-weekly since this came to light and keep getting the same "He's working on it" response from the secretary with zero returned calls from them. Maybe these letters will shed some light. Thanks.....Ronald read more ...

Thanks Bruce, I have the letters as well. I called the Reps office in Austin and had both of them e-mailed to me. I think if you have a registration already you do not need the Wild Life stricker. See you on the Beach! :-) read more ...

Neil -- Ole Barry now seems to not want to talk about the UTV problem any longer.... My wife has put in numerious calls to him but as of this date Barry has failed to return one of them.... I do have the letters that Craig's office sent to Galveston County sherriff's office. If you give me an E-Mail address I will forward them to you..... I know you will want to read them for sure...... After reading them it looking like we now are going to have to get an OFF Highway sticker from the Parks and Wildlife agency..... Before you accept a ticket you might want to get that sticker. Just in case the court system decides the sticker is require by this new law....... I will be at the beach Friday and will have printed copies of these letters.... I just recieved a call from my wife who just got off the phone with Parks and Wildlife..... They know all about the problems with Galveston county sherriff department and they said if the utv is registered as SMV you do not at this TIME need the OFF HIGHWAY Sticker...... Anyway read these letters and form your own view..... See Ya at the Beach.......  read more ...

Thanks Bruce! I to will go to court over this with a citation from GC Sheriff. You are right about not having a leg to stand on. Currently the letter from Austin is in our Reps hands. GC legal should have received it today as well. I just can't afford to place our guest in front of this mess. I'll be on the beach with you all weekend. I've been extremely nice throughout this mess but it's time the legislative branch stepped in and fixed what they started. I'll call GC Legal tomorrow to see if they will return our call. See you this weekend. It was great meeting you on the beach. I hope it brings our group together so we may protect our right in Austin in 2009. As our forefathers said, a little rebellion is good for a democracy! read more ...

Neil -- Barry Willie @ the Galveston county attorney's office was suspose to be sending the sherriff's office the letter stating they were to allow the UTV's registered as SMV's, beach access. Barry also stated to my wife if the sherff office did ticket a registered UTV his office WOULD NOT represent the county on the issue. You might give ole Barry a call and see what gives...... We got our UTV registered as a SMV this past week and plan on using it this week end. If they stop me I am going to insist on a ticket so this can go to court and see if Galveston County has a leg to stand on..... I will appeal this until it hits a state court where I should get a fair hearing..... If Barry does as he said then there should be no trial.....
We do need to get a group ready for the 2009 legislative session to get our great Craiig Eiland to straighten this mess out...... read more ...