Galveston, TX – May 14, 2020 – Six beach access points will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, including at the San Luis Pass. The beaches are only closed to vehicles and remain open to pedestrian traffic.
This is in response to concerns regarding the potential spread of COVID-19 and the amount of public safety personnel needed to manage vehicular traffic on beaches.
The Texas General Land Office on Thursday approved the City of Galveston’s request to close beach access points to vehicular traffic over the weekend. These access points include:
AP#7 – Sunny Beach
AP#10 - Hershey Beach
AP#16 - 13 Mile Road
AP#18 - 16 Mile Road
AP#36 - Salt Cedar
AP#41 - San Luis Pass
While these points are closed to vehicular traffic, street parking in the area is available and the beaches are open to foot traffic.
“We thank the Texas General Land Office for their assistance to the City of Galveston in protecting the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” City Manager Brian Maxwell said.
The Galveston Police Department and Galveston Island Beach Patrol will continue enforcing social distancing mandates on Galveston beaches, in addition to water safety. The City of Galveston and the Galveston Park Board have also partnered on an aerial advertising initiative to promote social distancing.
SAFELY ENJOY
Galveston is a welcoming community and we want residents and visitors alike to safely enjoy their time on the island. While doing this, we ask that you continue to use your best judgment. We strongly urge our visitors and residents to continue following the health and safety guidelines mandated by the state. These include keeping six feet distance between yourself and others who are not in your household, avoiding congregating in groups of 10 or more, and wearing a mask in places where social distancing is difficult to achieve.
We are still in the early phases of Texas’ reopening plan and as a result bars and large entertainment attractions will remain closed this weekend per the governor’s order. Under state mandates, restaurants and retail shops are operating at 25 percent capacity. Please keep this in mind as you make your plans on the island. We encourage making reservations at local restaurants to avoid the need for waiting in lines. Many businesses are also still offering your favorite Galveston dishes as takeout.
The health and safety of our first responders, residents, and visitors is our top priority. We are all responsible for following the public health recommendations regarding a safe phased reopening of Texas.