News Flash

Road closures during formerly-scheduled Lone Star Rally

City staff, including the Galveston Police Department, are preparing for an influx of motorcycles from November 5th through November 8th, which would have been the Lone Star Rally dates for this year. Over the summer, the Lone Star Rally announced it was ...

GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTING ANNUAL DRUG TAKE BACK

Galveston, TX - The Galveston Police Department (GPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are hosting a public drug take-back event Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Galveston Police Department lobby. A face covering is r...

Island Transit to increase capacity beginning November 1

Galveston, TX – October 21, 2020 – Island Transit will begin allowing more riders starting November 1. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Island Transit has been operating a limited schedule in compliance with the CDC best practice...

Ride Program pending changes to take effect in November

Galveston, TX - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Island Transit needed to comply with the CDC guidelines and Governor Greg Abbott's orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Island Transit has been operating at 30 percent capacity since the early stag...

GPD National Night Out for District Three and Four

The Galveston Police Department held its first virtual National Night Out for district three and four. 

Check it out: https://youtu.be/MC7SLslVDXY

GPD is searching for an attempting kidnapping suspect

The Galveston Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying the suspect and the suspect vehicle shown in the images.

If you have seen the suspect or have any information related to this case, please contact Det. Sollenberger at 409-765-377...

GPD National Night Out for District One and Two

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, the Galveston Police Department held their virtual National Night Out for district one and two. Each district was informed on crime statistics on the island, ways to stay safe in the community, and how GPD is responding to ca...

GPD publishes draft policy manual, invites community feedback

The Galveston Police Department has nearly completed a comprehensive review and update of its policies to ensure best practices and is publishing a working draft of the department's policy manual for public review and comment.

The polic...

Watch GPD's first night of National Night Out

The Galveston Police Department hosted their first virtual National Night Out in light of the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions. In case you missed it, you can watch GPD's virtual National Night Out here. 

Na...

Congratulations McGuire-Dent Recreation Center at Menard Park

The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped the excellent service in Galveston. In July, the Daily News asked readers to nominate their favorite businesses in more than 100 categories, and the City of Galveston's McGuire-Dent Recreation Center at Menar...

City accepting applications for Planning Commission

The City of Galveston is accepting applications for a position on the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission duties are to make, amend, extend, or add to a Master Plan for the physical development of the City; recommend to the City Council approval o...

City of Galveston under Tropical Storm Watch

The City of Galveston is under a Tropical Storm Watch in effect because of Hurricane Delta, currently over the Yucatan Peninsula.

The City is anticipating high tides and rain Thursday and Friday. The National Weather Service is forecasting tides 4-5 feet ...

Kitchen safety tips to prevent house fires

City seeking public comment on drainage project applications

Improving the island’s drainage is one of the City of Galveston’s highest priorities, and the city has developed long-term plans for extensive drainage solutions in addition to the progress already underway on numerous improvements.

As ...

Galveston Police Department’s National Night Out Going Virtual for 2020

GLO issues new emergency rules for dune restoration

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has adopted emergency rules that enable coastal cities and counties affected by Hurricane Laura and now, Tropical Storm Beta, to expedite the beachfront construction and dune protection permitting process. 

The ...

City accepting design proposals for official flag

Galveston, TX – October 1, 2020 – Are you interested in shaping your city's history by developing the official city flag? 

The City of Galveston's Cultural Arts Commission is currently accep...

Utility online payment service will be down for scheduled maintenance

The utility billing portal will be down for pre-scheduled maintenance on Friday, Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Customers will not be able to pay their utility bill online during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Report any Tropical Storm Beta damage

GFD to promote kitchen fire safety

Understand your flood hazards and what to do

The City of Galveston is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property that is associated with flooding events, and providing residents with a safe environment to live, work, and play. Since you own or live in a property that is subject to floodin...

Urgent: Census deadline is fast approaching

We're in the home stretch! The Census deadline is in less than a week. Galveston still trails other communities in response rates, and we need an accurate count.

Have you told your friends and neighbors about the Census? 

Visit www.2020cen...

Dine Out for Charity underway this week and next

Galveston residents and visitors will enjoy top-notch cuisine and help local non-profits at the same time when they participate in Dine Out for Charity. The Texas Restaurant Association-Galveston Chapter in partnership with Yaga’s Entertainment ...

Sanitation adding collection days this week

Island Transit services suspended

Island Transit has suspended fixed-route services today because of high water along routes and at the terminal. We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience. 

Limited sanitation service due to high water

Island Transit to resume fixed-route services Tuesday

Island Transit, trash services update

Island Transit will not operate its fixed-route services Monday due to inclement weather and street flooding expected from Tropical Storm Beta. Depending on the weather, fixed-route services will resume on Tuesday. Island Transit will operate Dial-A-Ride ...

City issues voluntary evacuation for West End, low-lying areas

Galveston, TX – September 19, 2020 – City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown has issued a voluntary evacuation of the West End (west of the Seawall) and low-lying areas of the island in response to the high tides and rainfall expec...

Emergency declaration, certain Covid orders extended through January

With forecast still uncertain, storm expected to bring high tides, rain

Galveston, TX – September 17, 2020 – A slow-moving Tropical Depression is expected to develop into a Tropical Storm later today and could track slowly up the Texas Coast, bringing high tides and rain, according to the National Weather ...

Galveston City Council approves property tax rate

GALVESTON, TX – September 17, 2020 – The Galveston City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to adopt a tax rate of 56 cents per $100 property valuation ($0.56) for property tax year 2020, a rate that is nearly 2 cents less t...

Sanitation Service Update: Thursday's route

Sanitation service notice: Wednesday's route delayed

Sanitation is working to collect Wednesday’s route; however, we are running on a delay. A truck issue caused a delay yesterday, with some Tuesday route bins getting collected this morning instead. Crews are now working on Wednesday’s r...

Fitch assigns an ‘AA’ rating, citing stability and resilience

Galveston, TX – September 14, 2020 – Fitch Ratings affirmed the City of Galveston’s solid ‘AA’ credit rating, reflecting the city’s healthy operating reserves and reasonable debt burden, and its ...

Online billing payment system down for routine maintenance

Heads up, residents! Our online billing system for paying water and sewer bills will be down beginning Friday at 5 p.m. until Saturday at 12 p.m. for routine maintenance. Please plan to make your online payments during another period. We apologize for any...

Lasker Park pool operating on fall schedule

Paving complete on 45th Street as project nears finish line

We’re moving forward! Despite the chaos of 2020, the 45th Street project is moving along slightly ahead of schedule with the added drainage and concrete improvements. Crews recently finished paving the road and have moved on to sidewalks and cur...

Public hearing on FY 21 proposed budget tomorrow

GLO approves expedited emergency beachfront construction permits

Hurricane Laura made landfall around 1:00am on August 27, 2020. Although Galveston Island was spared the worst, the storm surge (estimated as high as 4 feet) did remove or redistribute sand and dunes along Galveston Island’s beachfront.

On Septem...

City launching new, redesigned utility bill

Galveston, TX – August 31, 2020 – Residents and businesses may notice a change to their utility bills next month as the City of Galveston launches a new billing layout.

The City of Galveston redesigned its utility bills to create a more...

Work beginning on Bermuda Beach Drive

The City is preparing for work to rebuild Bermuda Beach Drive after Hurricane Laura caused damage to the roadway.

 Residents should expect to see crews out in the Bermuda Beach subdivision preparing for the placement of crushed limestone today and...

Boddeker Road closed for clean up

Boddeker Road, which runs along the ship channel out to East Beach, will be closed beginning today as crews clean up debris and sand that washed over the road during Hurricane Laura. 

The clean up is expected to take about a week, with the road op...

Debris clean up underway this weekend

Crews will be working hard this weekend to clear sand and other debris off streets in the West End. 

The City of Galveston Public Works Department is working throughout the weekend to move sand from West End streets to the beach after getting appr...

Reminder: Beachfront construction permits required

While Galveston largely dodged Hurricane Laura’s fury, there are some areas particularly along the island’s west end that have beachfront and dune walkover damage. This is a gentle reminder that construction activities proposed within ...

Hurricane Laura Update: No damage, evacuation and curfew lifted

The City of Galveston was fortunately spared the destruction of Hurricane Laura and will welcome residents back today. 

The City did not sustain wind or storm damage, and water is receding in the low-lying areas that experienced street flooding. &...

Survey: Report any storm damage sustained in Hurricane Laura

Trash services resume Friday

Read on...

Hurricane Laura Update

Bus evacuation update

Galveston, TX – August 25, 2020 – Galveston residents who need assistance with transportation and shelter should report to the Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway, before 8 p.m. tonight to board buses.

Throughout the day, th...

City issues mandatory evacuation, city services to be suspended at 12 p.m. Tuesday

Galveston, TX – August 25, 2020 – City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown signed a mandatory evacuation Tuesday instructing all Galveston residents to begin leaving the island for safety after overnight models shifted the ...

City of Galveston implements nightly curfews

Galveston, TX – August 25, 2020 – The City of Galveston has implemented a series of curfews over the next three nights for the protection of residents and their property during Hurricane Laura.

Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Bro...

Emergency services during the storm

Please remember if you choose to stay on the island during a mandatory hurricane evacuation, you are not guaranteed emergency services.We want to clarify some rumors: The City is not shutting off power or water to residents, though these things may be dow...

Storm damage update

City issues voluntary evacuation of west end, low-lying areas ahead of TS Laura

City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown has issued a voluntary evacuation for residents living in low-lying areas and west of the end of the Seawall in advance of Tropical Storm Laura, effective 1 p.m. Monday.

There is still a high degree of uncertaint...

NWS afternoon update regarding Tropical Storm Laura

Tropical Storms Laura and Marco update

The City continues to monitor activity in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the latest update from the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Laura is expected to make landfall as a category 2 hurricane on Wednesday night along the upper Texas Coast and ...

City monitoring Gulf activity, encourages residents to secure low-lying properties

Galveston, TX – August 22, 2020 – The City of Galveston is closely watching two tropical disturbances that could make landfall along the Gulf coast this week and we urge residents to begin preparations.

There are still many uncertaintie...

Notice: Upcoming water service interruptions along 55th Street

Work continues on the 24-inch water line project and there will be water service interruptions over the coming days along 55th Street between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We know this is inconvenient for residents and ask for your patience. 

Read on...

Time's running up: Complete the Census

Galveston City Council proposes tax rate, sets public hearing for FY 21 budget

Galveston, TX – August 18, 2020 – The Galveston City Council last week unanimously approved a proposed tax rate for 2021 for publication and hearing purposes, and set a public hearing for September 10 for the proposed FY 2021 budget.

Th...

Join us in the Census challenge

We’re in the final weeks and we NEED to get our Census response rate up! We challenge you to help out by contacting five people you know in Galveston and making sure they’ve completed the Census.

The new deadline for 2020 Census is Sep...

Intersection closure for water line project

Beginning today through Friday, there will be an intersection closure as part of the 24-inch waterline project serving the west end. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 11-14,  there will be a road closure at the intersection of Victory and Avenue Q ...

Water service interruptions along 55th Street this week

There will be water service interruptions later this week as part of a major water line project along 55th Street. The chart shows where the interruptions will take place and on which day. During the posted dates, water is expected to be out from 8 a.m. t...

Applications open for short-term rental assistance program

Galveston, TX – August 10, 2020 – The City of Galveston will begin accepting applications Monday for a rental assistance program to help those who have faced financial hardship caused by the pandemic. The City will accept applications ...

Intersection closure on 25th beginning next week

Beginning next week there will be an intersection closure at 25th and Avenue M, necessitating a detour along 26th Street. 

The contractor on the 25th Street is installing sanitary sewer lines in the affected area. The intersection will be closed 2...

Planning Commission accepting nominations for design awards

As a part of the American Planning Association’s National Community Planning Month, the Galveston Planning Commission is accepting nominations for their Planning and Design Awards.  Introduced in 2019, the Planning and Design Awards are...

Applications open for more than a dozen city boards, commissions

GALVESTON, TX – August 3, 2020 – Are you interested in serving your city in an area of interest and expertise?

The Galveston City Council is considering appointments for several city boards and commissions, and we encourage interested r...

Galveston Fire Department civil service exam set for Sept. 18

The Galveston Fire Department is hiring! The Civil Service entrance exam will be held at Galveston Island Convention Center 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX in room Galleon on Friday, September 18, 2020! Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the exam ...

Local artist creates "Hope" sculpture honoring Galveston's history

We’re thrilled that Galveston resident Doug McLean’s beautiful sculpture, "Hope," will have a home in a new city park on the historic City Hall grounds later this year. 

Please see the press release from the Galveston...

Council approves plan for Lasker Park pool deck

Thanks to the city’s Industrial Development Corporation, which determines the use of certain sales tax revenues, the pool secure...

TXDOT to host virtual hearing on I-45 work

The Texas Department of Transportation will host a virtual hearing on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. regarding an upcoming project on I-45 between the Causeway and 61st Street. 

The TxDOT Houston District proposes to reconstruct and widen I...

City monitoring weather for the weekend

Water off near 49th and Avenue S

A water line break near 49th Street and Avenue S has crews working on emergency repairs today. The City has turned off water in the area to make the repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience and will turn water on as soon as possible.

Water service interruption for Pirate's Beach water line project

Free Covid-19 testing available in Jamaica Beach

Keep water conservation top of mind this summer

It’s summertime -- the season for backyard barbecues and beach days (socially distanced, of course.) But summer is also a particularly important time to think about water conservation and what you’re doing to conserve this precious res...

City to begin free Covid-19 testing for service industry workers

The City of Galveston will offer free Covid-19 testing for service industry workers beginning as early as Monday, July 13.

The Galveston City Council recently approved the use of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Ac...

Order issued requiring large event sponsors to submit COVID-mitigation plans

In response to concerns regarding coronavirus and large events, Mayor Jim Yarbrough on Friday signed an executive order requiring indoor events with more than 500 people to submit certain information and receive approval from the City of Galveston.

The ord...

City accepting applications for rental assistance program

The City of Galveston is accepting applications for a rental assistance program for eligible island residents. 

The primary purpose of the Federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is to assi...

City announces parking changes for the weekend

To address public safety issues and prevent overcrowding in response to the coronavirus, the City of Galveston is announcing a few parking changes for the weekend.

Beginning Friday morning and continuing through the weekend, parking will be blocked on the ...

City limits in-person contact at city facilities

GALVESTON, TX – July 7, 2020 – The City of Galveston will return to providing the services it can by phone or online in response to rising cases of Covid-19.

The City of Galveston will continue providing all city services, though please...

New smoking ordinance in effect

The Galveston City Council has passed a new ordinance that smoking must take place 10ft away from any public doors. The change calls for an additional 5ft of distance as the previous Clean Air Rules ordinance stated that individuals must be at least 5ft a...

Tips for mosquito control in your yards

If you’re like us, you’ve probably been spending more time in your yard this year, but during peak mosquito season, that may not be the most enjoyable experience.  

 Mosquitoes like dark and humid places and one of the...

Galveston beaches to close for Independence Day weekend, reopen Monday

City facilities closed this Friday

City facilities will be closed this Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The McGuire Dent Recreation Center will be closed, and Island Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Friday. Regular transit services will resume on Saturday.

&nb...

Gov. Abbott issues executive order regarding bars, restaurants

Gov. Abbott issued an executive order Friday morning closing bars beginning today (with the exception of take-out and delivery services) and limiting restaurants to 50 percent dine-in capacity beginning Monday in response to rising cases of COVID-19.

&...

Mask order extended through Sept. 30

A city order requiring patrons and employees to wear masks in most Galveston businesses was extended Thursday by a 5-2 vote of City Council and will remain in effect until Sept. 30, unless changed by a vote of the council.

 As a reminder, the ord...

Your FAQs on the new Galveston mask order

A new city order that went into effect Tuesday requires employees and visitors to wear a face mask in most Galveston businesses to curb community spread of the coronavirus.We want to answer any questions you may have about the order. Below is a list of FA...

Business signage for new City mask requirement

A new city order requires employees and visitors to wear a face mask in most Galveston businesses to curb community spread of the Coronavirus.Signage for businesses is available here as PDF: https://www.galvestontx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10873/85x11-Mask...

City issues order requiring face coverings in Galveston businesses

GALVESTON, TX – June 22, 2020 – Customers and employees will be required to wear face coverings in all Galveston businesses that serve the public, effective after midnight tonight.

Mayor Jim Yarbrough signed on Monday an execut...

Free, walk-up COVID-19 testing available this Saturday in Galveston

GALVESTON, TX – June 22, 2020 – Residents will be able to access free, walk-up testing for COVID-19 on Saturday, June 27 at the Wright Cuney Recreation Center.

The Texas Military Forces and the City of Galveston have partnered ...

Galveston celebrates Juneteenth

Closure on 25th Street next week

City seeking public comment on additional CARES Act spending

The CARES Act made supplemental CDBG funding available through the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for grants to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. HUD has awarded the City of Galveston $714,670 in CDBG-CV funding. The...

Special events permitting postponed, July 4th parade canceled

The City of Galveston has made the decision to cancel city special events permitting for two events scheduled in July, the Fourth of July parade and the Old Smokey Throwdown, because of concerns about COVID-19 cases in Galveston County.

The City consulted...

City hosting Shred Day this Saturday

Mark your calendar! 📆 The City of Galveston is hosting a free paper shred day for getting rid of personal or confidential documents. Shred Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the Recycling Center. The center is located at 701 ...

City preparing for a safe, busy weekend on the island

The City of Galveston is preparing for a busy weekend on the island. The City is implementing a few changes and additional services over the weekend, including extra lighting and parking modifications, to better accommodate residents and visitors.

The City...

Parking lane closure on 25th Street for water line installation

Residents received a notice from the contractor for the 25th Street project this week about upcoming parking changes. 

For the next several weeks, the parking shoulder on the east side of 25th Street from Broadway to Avenue N will be closed for th...

Summer safety items to remember

We’re headed into another beautiful weekend on the island! 😎 Just a few things for all to remember as you enjoy Galveston:

•  Keep our beaches pristine by throwing all trash in the designated bins. We’ll be out enforcing litteri...

Free, walk-up COVID testing this weekend in Galveston

Residents will be able to access free, walk-up testing for COVID-19 on Saturday, June 13 at the Wright Cuney Recreation Center.

The Texas Military Forces and the City of Galveston have partnered to offer free testing to residents at the Wright Cuney Recrea...

Litterers Beware – Enhanced Enforcement to Take Place in Galveston

If you plan to visit Galveston’s beaches this summer, be sure you don’t leave your trash behind. Beginning this weekend, city officials will increase efforts to punish those who litter along the coast.

“There is no excuse or r...

Mayor Yarbrough announces resignation, effective July 15

Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough announced that he would resign as mayor, effective July 15, citing concerns related to COVID-19.

Mayor Yarbrough was first elected to the role in 2014 and was reelected in 2016 and 2018. He is term-limited from running for ree...

Intersection closure on 53rd for waterline project

Beginning tomorrow, there will be an intersection closure on the north side of Broadway at 53rd Street for the installation of a 24-inch water line. The closure will continue for approximately one month.The closure will mean drivers will not be able to tu...

Water service interruptions resuming Friday for 25th Street project

Temporary water service interruptions will continue at properties in the blocks surrounding 25^th Street as part of the 25^th Street reconstruction project. The water service interruptions are necessary to install water valves. For most properties, the serv...

City monitoring system in the Gulf

A disturbance in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Cristobal, and we anticipate effects in the Gulf in the coming days.

The City of Galveston is closely monitoring this tropical storm. The greatest threats to Galveston at...

Mayor, Police Chief statements regarding George Floyd death

As representatives of your city, Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough and Police Chief Vernon Hale feel a duty to address the death of George Floyd and the current national landscape. The City has included the statements below.

Mayor Jim Yarbrough: “Lik...

June 1 marks first day of hurricane season: Have a plan

June 1 marks the first day of hurricane season and no more appropriate time to make sure you have a plan in place.

 How can you prepare? Visit ready.gov/hurricanes to see what plans you should put in place, what to pack in your emergency kit and ...

Community pool beginning phased reopening June 3

Free parking redistributed along Seawall Boulevard

Galveston, TX – May 28, 2020 – This month, the City of Galveston changed the location of free parking along Seawall Boulevard to redistribute the spaces.

The City installed new signs, changed previous signage, and repainted the...

Update regarding Lake Madeline channel

UPDATE: Test results returned do not trigger an advisory against swimming or fishing in the Lake Madeline channel.

*ADVISORY* A sanitary sewer line break caused a sewage overflow into the Lake Madeline channel near 74th Street and Heards Lane. No waste is...

City seeks public input on plan for CARES funding

The CARES Act made supplemental CDBG funding available through the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for grants to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. HUD has awarded the City of Galveston $714,670 in CDBG-CV funding. The...

Court denies bar owner's request for a temporary restraining order

Holly Landry, owner of Sharky’s Tavern, filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to enjoin the city from enforcing Governor’s Executive Order GA-18.A TRO hearing was scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday. During the hearing, the city pointed out that...

Water off along Heards Lane next Tuesday, Wednesday

Residents along Heards Lane from 69th Street to 73rd Street will have their water off next Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The water will be off as part of work on the 24-inch water line project. We understand water outages are a major inconven...

City proposing changes to HOME program

The City of Galveston proposes to amend its 2017 through 2019 Action Plans for significant changes by reallocating funds and changing project descriptions for the HOME Program under the HUD HOME Program Waivers in response to COVID-19 Pandemic as follows....

City accepting applications, interviewing for Galveston Park Board trustees

Galveston, TX – The City of Galveston is accepting applications for three positions on the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.

The Park Board of Trustees’ mission is to promote Galveston Island, its natural resources, attractions...

Galveston County and UTMB to Open Mass COVID-19 Testing

We’re sharing a press release from the county regarding public COVID-19 testing.

Galveston County, Texas – Starting Wednesday, May 20th, Galveston County and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) will be offering free COVID-19 ...

Notice: Sanitary sewer break causes release in Lake Madeline channel

A sanitary sewer line break caused a sewage overflow into the Lake Madeline channel near 74th Street and Heards Lane. No waste is going into the channel at this time, and the contractor and city crews are working to identify where the break occurred.

The C...

Water shutoff notice for 25th Street project

Temporary water service interruptions will continue at properties in the blocks surrounding 25^th Street as part of the 25^th Street reconstruction project. The water service interruptions are necessary to install water valves. For most properties, the serv...

Six beach access points to close to vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic allowed

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 pede...

McGuire Dent Recreation Center reopening to adults, by appointment

Galveston, TX – May 13, 2020 – The City of Galveston will reopen the McGuire Dent Recreation Center for adult fitness beginning Monday, May 18 as part of the state’s gradual reopening pl...

Water service interruption this week on 25th Street

Temporary water service interruptions will continue at properties in the blocks surrounding 25th Street as part of the 25th Street reconstruction project.

The water service interruptions are necessary to install water valves. For most properties, the serv...

A message regarding fire marshal inspections of restaurants

A local restaurant contacted the City Fire Marshal’s Office with a concern about a fire protection contractor. The establishment had been visited by a contractor with a licensed fire protection firm who stated that the company had been &ldqu...

Eight beach access points closing to vehicular traffic over weekend

The City of Galveston is announcing changes in beach access and enforcement in advance of the weekend.

Eight beach access points in Galveston will be closed to vehicles beginning Friday through the weekend in response to concerns about heavy-traffic and th...

Galveston County Food Bank, Moody Gardens hosting food pick-up

The Galveston County Food Bank and Moody Gardens are hosting a drive-through food pickup tomorrow for those in need. The food drive will begin Friday, May 8 at 9 a.m. and continue while supplies last. The food will be distributed in the west park...

Full closure of I-45 beginning next week

UPDATE: TXDOT has announced a change to the I-45 closure planned this weekend. The closure will begin Monday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. The work will occur nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. from Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 15. The detour plans remain unchan...

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Have a supply kit ready

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a good time to brush up on your family’s plan. As we approach hurricane season, remember that it’s good to stock up on a few supplies.In the event of a storm, you’ll want to have enough...

Hurricane Preparedness Week is a good time to get your plans ready

This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week and today the focus is evacuation plans. 

Have you and your family started your hurricane season preparations? Hurricane season begins June 1 and we encourage all residents to begin thinking about...

Water service disruption this week on 25th Street

ATTENTION: There will be water service disruptions this week along 25th Street from Broadway to Avenue N on the west side of the street as part of work on the 25th Street reconstruction project.Water will be turned off during the day, between 8 a.m. and 5...

City of Galveston issues new guidelines for reopening city

The City of Galveston has issued new guidelines for visiting City facilities in response to COVID-19. 

The Coronavirus has altered the way in which City employees provide essential services to the community. While we continue to provide all city s...

Moody Foundation, Moody Endowment team up to support Galveston first responders

GALVESTON, TX – May 1, 2020 – First responders in Galveston have the necessary personal protective equipment to maintain health and safety for themselves and the public thanks to generous donations from the Moody Foundation an...

Coronavirus-related signage templates available for businesses

Signage templates are available for local businesses to use in their retail and restaurants as desired related to the COVID-19 opening requirements issued by the governor earlier this week. These templates are available here and may be edited to reflect y...

Galveston beaches to open May 1 with social distancing recommendations

Galveston public beaches will open Friday, May 1 with social distancing recommendations.

On March 17, 2020, the GLO gave approval for local governments to close beaches due to COVID-19. The basis for the GLO approval was the Governor’s State of D...

City, Park Board to co-host State of the City Wednesday

The Galveston tourism community is invited to join officials from the City of Galveston and the Galveston Park Board to receive updates on the COVID-19 pandemic response and plans to re-open Galveston businesses.

This State of the City address will take p...

Reopening plans for Galveston following governor's order

City accepting public comments for Thursday council meeting

The City of Galveston is accepting public comments in advance of the Galveston City Council meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Public attendance will be restricted due to concerns about Coronavirus, but participation is still encouraged.

&n...

Extended public comment time for 2020 CDBG and HOME Programs

 The U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs and has released the 2020 CDBG and HOME Funding Allocations. The City will receive ...

Partial beach opening begins Monday

The Galveston City Council voted Thursday on a partial opening of public beaches. The vote was 4-3.

Beginning Monday, April 27, the public beaches will be open in the morning to pedestrians for exercise only. The public beaches will be open from 6 a.m. to ...

Road closure on Chantilly Circle beginning Monday

Beginning Monday and for the following two weeks, a section of Chantilly Circle between the 7600 and 7700 blocks will be closed for a sanitary sewer rehab project.

These closures will occur daily between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Street parking will not be allowed...

City accepting public comments for April 23 meeting

The City of Galveston is accepting public comments in advance of the special-called Galveston City Council meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Public attendance will be restricted due to concerns about Coronavirus, but participation is still en...

GCHD continues to operate COVID-19 testing site

The Galveston County Health District continues to operate its Galveston testing site this week at Fire Station No. 5, 5728 Ball Street. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and the health district is conducting 92 tests...

City partnering with RCC to host sexual assault prevention classes

The City of Galveston is proud to partner with the Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County on sexual assault prevention classes geared toward empowering young girls. RCC is implementing a sexual assault prevention curriculum, Be Strong: From the In...

Galveston beaches remain closed until April 30

We understand there may be some confusion about which beaches are open at this time. 

Galveston County reopened beaches within the county jurisdiction, including Bolivar Peninsula and other unincorporated areas, on Monday, April 13. However, beach...

Gov. Abbott issues new executive orders related to COVID-19

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced several executive orders related to the reopening of Texas businesses that have been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first executive order is the establishment of a statewide strike-force to study the saf...

March City Manager's Report now online

The March City Manager’s Report is now online at www.galvestontx.gov/citymanagersreport. This comprehensive report details what each department in the City has accomplished in the last month, the progress that has been made on multiple ...

Beginning Saturday, 45th Street will be northbound only

Beginning Saturday, April 18th, traffic on 45th Street will be restricted oneway northbound only (from Seawall to Broadway.) Traffic will move in the east lane, which is paved, and the entire west lane will be closed for paving. This will continue until f...

Beginning Saturday, 45th Street will be northbound only

Beginning Saturday, April 18th, traffic on 45th Street will be restricted oneway northbound only (from Seawall to Broadway.) Traffic will move in the east lane, which is paved, and the entire west lane will be closed for paving. This will continue until f...

Be aware of scams, suspicious activity

Scam alert! 🚨 Law enforcement in the region have reported a scam of people attempting to gain access to residents’ homes by claiming to be testing water for COVID-19. In those instances, the scammers claimed they were working for the city. Law ...

Galveston County Health District opening island testing site

Galveston County Health District on Thursday will open its free COVID-19 testing to anyone, regardless of symptoms, and expand its drive-thru testing to Galveston.

Testing will be available in Galveston Thursday-Saturday (April 16-18) by appointment only a...

City accepting new water and sewer tap applications

The City of Galveston will resume accepting new water and sewer tap applications effective Tuesday, April 14 at 8 a.m. 

The city had suspended these new applications, which typically are received for new construction homes, apartments and business...

City accepting public comments for April 16 meeting

The City of Galveston is accepting public comments in advance of the special-called Galveston City Council meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Public attendance will be restricted due to concerns about Coronavirus, but participation is still en...

Water line work beginning on Heards Lane

Work is beginning on a 24-inch water line project along Heards Lane. Residents will likely notice traffic control measures in place, however, two-way traffic along the roadway will be maintained during this phase of the project.

There will be rolling shoul...

City facilities closed in observance of Good Friday

City facilities will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. Except for the police and fire stations, city buildings will be closed and staff will not be there to answer phones or respond to online inquiries on Friday.  

Due to COVID-19, th...

City accepting public comments for April 9 council meeting

Galveston City Council will meet via video conference on Thursday, April 9 at 1:15 p.m. for a special-called meeting. The City is accepting public comments in advance of this meeting at https://forms.galvestontx.gov/forms/publiccomment. The agend...

City monitoring potential severe weather

City accepting public comments for CDBG, HOMES programs

Governor's order rules golf courses nonessential services

Galveston City Council extends COVID-19 emergency orders until April 30

Important upcoming events: State of the City and Virtual Town Hall

In addition to today’s Galveston City Council meeting, two important events are happening next Tuesday to update residents about the COVID-19 response.

First, the Galveston tourism community is invited to join officials from the City of Galveston...

Make sure we #CountGalveston, complete the Census today!

The U.S. Census -- taken every decade -- is extremely important to communities. An accurate count helps provide communities with the resources they need to serve their residents, including transportation grants and other important funding. While you&r...

City accepting public comments for April 3 City Council meeting

The City of Galveston is accepting public comments in advance of the special-called Galveston City Council meeting scheduled on Friday, April 3, 2020. Public attendance will be restricted due to concerns about Coronavirus, but participation is still encou...

Orders related to COVID-19 available online

Galveston, thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Our hope is by making these sacrifices now we can get through this safely and as quickly as possible. The health of this community remains our top priority and we’re commit...

Available resources for businesses affected by COVID-19

Galveston, TX – March 30, 2020 – The City of Galveston’s Economic Development Division has prepared information about several resources available for local small businesses affected by COVID-19.

The resources are available onl...

City annual financial report available online

The City of Galveston Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year 2019 is available online now at galvestontx.gov/financialtransparency. 

The report is prepared in compliance with a massive body of accounting and financial reporting ...

Las playas publicas de Galveston están cerradas en respuesta al virus COVID-19

Language translation through a partnership between the City of Galveston and Center for Violence Prevention, University of Texas Medical Branch. 

Galveston, TX- marzo 29, 2020 – Dos ordenes están en efecto desde el domingo por...

Galveston public beaches are closed in response to COVID-19

Two orders are in effect as of Sunday afternoon, March 29, 2020 at 2:45 p.m. closing all public beaches in Galveston and restricting vehicle traffic on the beach west of the end of the Seawall. By state law, this order is in effect for seven days until Su...

Orden de Permanecer en Casa

Language translation through a partnership between the City of Galveston and Center for Violence Prevention, University of Texas Medical Branch. 

Además de las ordenes dictadas por el condado y estado, la Ciudad de Galveston esta bajo l...

Dos and Don'ts of the Galveston Stay-at-Home Order

In addition to orders issued by the county and state, the City of Galveston is under a Stay-at-Home order until at least 5 p.m. on April 3, 2020. This order is in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and based on guidance from federal, ...

Three new orders in effect related to COVID-19

Three new City of Galveston orders went into effect Friday, March 27, 2020. The orders will in effect until at least 5 p.m. on April 3, 2020. The City of Galveston is closely monitoring the public health situation in Galveston County and COVID-19 cases. A...

City of Galveston to provide all essential services with limited staffing

Galveston, TX – March 25, 2020 – The City of Galveston will continue providing all city services under the Stay at Home order; however, the City of Galveston has reduced its staff effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020. This may ...

City taking precautions for public transportation

The City of Galveston is currently under a Stay at Home order except for essential business and activities. Public transportation is an essential operation and needed to ensure residents are able to reach grocery stores, pharmacies, report to work, and pe...

Four new orders in effect beginning Tuesday, including Stay at Home order

Galveston, TX – March 24, 2020 – Four new City of Galveston orders went into effect Tuesday, including a City of Galveston order for residents to stay at home except for essential activities. The Stay at Home order is in effec...

Governor Abbott, Mayor urge residents to stay home

Governor Greg Abbott has continued to emphasize his earlier executive orders, as well as adding others to increase hospital and care capacity.

During a Sunday news conference, Gov. Abbott announced a new order requiring health care professionals postpone &...

Lasker Park Community Pool opens for 2020 season

The City of Galveston is excited to announce that the 2020 community pool season has begun.

The city’s public pool opened Sunday morning at 10 a.m. as the kick off to the season. Throughout the spring, the lap pool will be open; however, the spla...

Rubber wheel trolleys operating on new hours

Contractors moving forward on 25th Street project

The City of Galveston issued the notice to proceed for the 25^th Street project this week. As the contractor prepares to begin construction, the interior lanes northbound and southbound of 25^th Street will be closed between Avenue K and Avenue M.

Contractor...

Galveston recognized as Tree City USA

Galveston Police Department transitions to new crime reporting data system

GALVESTON, TX – February 18, 2020 – The Galveston Police Department is transitioning to a new crime reporting system to improve the quality, accuracy and transparency of the department’s crime data.

The transition to a new acc...

City Manager addresses 45th Street project in column

The following guest column from City Manager Brian Maxwell regarding the 45th Street project ran in today's edition of the Galveston County Daily News:

"I appreciate the concerns surrounding the 45th Street project and wanted to update residents as to...

City responding to issues at Compass Pointe apartment complex

The City of Galveston is concerned about ongoing problems for residents at the complex commonly referred to as Sandpiper Cove (officially called Compass Pointe) and the condition of the units. 

Earlier this year, the City of Galveston and Galvesto...

Paving beginning on 45th Street to expedite project

Contractors working on the 45th Street project will begin paving the east side of 45th Street beginning at Broadway and working toward Avenue M to expedite the project.

To date, the contractor has completed the installation of new water lines and sanitary ...

Celebrate the holiday season this weekend at the annual Christmas Parade

Mark your calendars, we've got your Saturday night plans covered!  

The annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Galveston Municipal Police Association, returns to the island this Saturday night.

 The City of Galveston invites residents a...

Strand ordinance rules explained

City Council recently adopted new regulations for the Strand/Mechanic Historic District that prohibit the obstruction of architectural features with the placement of items for sale or other displays. 

The purpose of the ordinance is the protection...

Fleeing Suspect Injures Jamaica Beach Officer

At approximately 1230 AM, the Lake Jackson Police Department requested the assistance of the Galveston Police Department in apprehending a suspect in a white Ford truck that had been eluding capture for some time at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour....

City Council confirms new Fire Chief

The City of Galveston is proud to announce that Charles Olsen, Sr. is the new Fire Chief.

Chief Olsen joined the Galveston Fire Department in 1991 and most recently served as an Assistant Fire Chief. City Manager Brian Maxwell appointed Olsen the interim c...

Road closures announced for numerous fall events

Galveston, TX – October 22, 2019 – The island will be the host of many special events this week, including Ball High School homecoming parade, Oktoberfest and The Daily News Press Run.

BALL HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE&nbs...

2019 Tax Year Adopted Tax Rate For City of Galveston

The City of Galveston, Texas, adopted a tax rate that will increase taxes for maintenance and operations for Tax Year 2019. The Tax Rate will effectively be raised by 7.63 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 by approx...