The return of crowds, with mask use spotty at best, was punctuated by a packed Memorial Day weekend that saw thousands of visitors. At the time of Abbott’s executive order, coronavirus infections in Galveston County had begun to trend downward. The city of Galveston, which initially closed its beaches to the public on March 29, had begun a partial reopening nearly a month later — open from 6 to 9 a.m. for people engaging in exercise.
Teresa M wrote a review Sep 8. Pedestrians will not be allowed on the beach, though Seawall Boulevard will remain open to pedestrians and exercise activity. Greg Abbott’s May 1 executive order reopening parts of the state’s economy, which included encouraging outdoor activities and removing the authority of local governments to close beaches due to the coronavirus outbreak. On May 16, the county health district reported its lowest weekly coronavirus case total since the pandemic began, with 22 cases. The move by Yarbrough, a former county judge, prompted Galveston County officials to re-evaluate its plans for Bolivar Peninsula, an unincorporated part of the county with 27 miles of beaches. “By and large, I think local people will be supportive,” Yarbrough said in a phone interview. If you do not see any markers on the map, try zooming in one or two levels using "+" on the top left side. In shift, Bolivar Peninsula beaches will now be open to foot traffic over July 4th weekend, Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff photographer / Staff photographer. How to use the Crystal Beach Traffic Map County officials said Wednesday that Galveston’s actions forced their hand to close Bolivar Peninsula, an unincorporated part of the county, due to concerns that people planning to go to Galveston would instead flock to the peninsula’s beaches. Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough said he would also consider closing certain access points for the rest of the summer. “Beaches on Bolivar would be overcrowded and the public health authority strongly advised to shut it down because of the unsafe environment that will be created,” Apffel said. The beach closure will end at 12:01 a.m. Monday. The city of Galveston on Wednesday announced an executive order that will close all of the island’s beaches for the July 4th weekend. Galveston beaches to close for July 4th weekend amid sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Black lines or No traffic flow lines could indicate a closed road, but in most cases it means that either there is not enough vehicle flow to register or traffic isn't monitored. The Texas General Land Office, which governs beach access across the state, informed coastal cities like Galveston that the governor’s executive order stripped them of the ability to close beaches due to the coronavirus outbreak. “We got in touch with GLO and they’re supportive of whatever decisions we make, which has always been a concern, certainly over the last month,” Yarbrough said. Residents and those renting beach houses and RV campgrounds will be allowed access with proof of residency/rental. Click an incident icon on the map to get more information. Beta dumps rain on Houston after sparing coastal Texas of its worst fears, Clear Creek flooding reminds Friendswood residents of Harvey, Galveston fights tidal flooding but spared Beta’s heavier rains, Man wanted in beating death of pregnant girlfriend as her young son slept, Texas shatters voter registration records again as Trump-Biden election draws closer, Ted Cruz blocks resolution honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, objects to mention of her dying wish, Young Houston doctor dies after fighting for her life in ICU with COVID, Unreliable Texas COVID data spotlights 'decades worth of underfunding', Houstonians remember RBG as ‘the woman who changed everything’, Houston activists outraged over Breonna Taylor decision, More contagious coronavirus now virtually only strain in Houston, TxDOT leaves a tip for restaurant chain: Don’t mess with our trademark, 2 deaths reported at cockroach-infested group home in Houston, Body of missing fisherman recovered in Brays Bayou, Expedited bail granted to immigrants at Conroe detention facility, Man condemned in Houston killings ordered off death row.