Bay Area Edition | February 2026

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Bay Area Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 FEB. 17MARCH 16, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Sunken boats litter Clear Lake and bays More than 100 abandoned boats sit between Clear Lake and Galveston, said Russell Lavigne, founder of local nonprot Dead Boats Society, which works to remove derelict vessels. (Rachel Leland/Community Impact) BY RACHEL LELAND 18

Also in this issue

Development: See what’s coming to Seabrook’s upcoming town centre (Page 17)

Dining: Discover a local duo who serve doughnuts and craft coee in the Bay Area (Page 23)

REPSDORPH RD.

CLEAR LAKE

Healthy aging is at the heart of everything we do.

That’s why so many seniors are turning to Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors. As your go-to resource for healthy aging, we help you access top-quality coordinated care that meets your changing health needs every step of the way. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.* Experience healthcare that helps you live your healthiest life. 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.

*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048),24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details.© 2026 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSCIF_1086

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Kelsey-Seybold’s Cancer Center at Bay Area Campus is now open and bringing nationally recognized cancer care to the community. Our new Bay Area Cancer Center features state-of-the-art infusion therapy and Varian TrueBeam ® radiation technology, all in a supportive and comforting environment for patients and their families. At the Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center, cancer treatment is led and personalized by a coordinated, multidisciplinary Oncology team that follows nationally standardized protocols aligned with the latest research and guidelines in cancer treatment. Exceptional Cancer Care Is Closer Than Ever at Kelsey-Seybold’s Bay Area Campus.

KELSEY-SEYBOLD.COM/BAYAREACAMPUS | 713-442-1080

Bay Area Campus Cancer Center Located at 18833 Gulf Fwy. Building C, Webster, TX 77598 FREE PARKING

1617250167

BAY AREA EDITION

PU Co

INS 11/0 MA 10/ JO MH Ad CLI Me JO He LIV N/A SIZ 9.18 BL N/A CO 4cp SW FO Pre

You are at the heart of our advanced cardiac care.

Whatever your heart requires, we’ll help keep it beating strong. We personalize treatment plans that utilize cutting-edge techniques, like a heart arrhythmia treatment that minimizes the risk of heart failure and stroke without the need for blood thinners. This is innovative heart care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/heart

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Ariel Buford Bradley Dountz Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen

Papar Faircloth General Manager pfaircloth@ communityimpact.com

Nichaela Shaheen Catherine White Kara Willis Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Jake Schlesinger Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Managing Editor James T. Norman Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Houston Market President Jason Culpepper

Haley Velasco Editor hvelasco@ communityimpact.com

Anita Orellana Account Executive aorellana@ communityimpact.com Contact us

16300 Northwest Freeway, Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases baynews@communityimpact.com Advertising bayads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

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BAY AREA EDITION

Impacts

• 700 Baybrook Mall, Ste. F138, Friendswood • www.tecovas.com

4 The Monk’s Indian Fusion The menu will feature authentic flavors, fresh ingredients and a modern twist on staple Chinese dishes. • Opened Jan. 16 • 1416 FM 528 Road, Ste. D, Webster • www.monkswebster.com 5 Flaco’s Sunrise Breakfast Located inside Brownie’s gas station, the restaurant serves breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, gorditas, menudo, empanadas and baked goods, among other items. • Opened Nov. 19 • 102 FM 646, Dickinson • Facebook: Flaco’s Sunrise Breakfast 6 League City Family Clinic This is the second location to open in League City. Services include pediatric, adult and senior care, medical aesthetics, hormone replacement and weight loss management, among other services. • Opened Jan. 5 • 1930 S. Hwy. 3, League City • www.leaguecityfamilyclinic.com 7 Bay Area Service League Resale Shop The nonprofit store offers a large selection of women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods and furniture • Opened Jan. 22 • 100 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. 80, Webster • www.bayareaserviceleague.com

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

Seabrook

146

MERCURY DR.

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

CLEAR LAKE

2351

GALVESTON BAY

Nassau Bay

W. MEDICAL CENTER BLVD.

518

528

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

Webster

CALDER DR.

646

League City

517

DICKINSON AVE.

517

room and online ordering through the Whataburger app and website for curbside pickup and delivery. • Opened Jan. 27 • 2121 E. League City Parkway, League City • www.whataburger.com 3 Tecovas The Austin-based Western fashion and boot wear brand opened a location in Baybrook Mall, marking its third location to open in the Greater Houston area. The store sells boots, leather goods, apparel and accessories. • Opened Feb. 12

Now open

1 Einstein Bros. Bagels The large American chain is best known for its freshly baked bagels, sandwiches, coffees and other baked goods. • Opened Jan. 19 • 1911 W. League City Parkway, Ste. 200, League City • www.einsteinbros.com 2 Whataburger The restaurant will feature a 24-hour drive-thru, dining

Coming soon

8 FS8 The studio will offer classes that blend Pilates, toning exercises and yoga into one workout. Instead of sticking to one style, FS8 classes combine elements of reformer and mat Pilates, toning exercises and yoga exercises with dumbbells, Pilates rings and other equipment. • Opening Feb. 27

April 24, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Legacy Center 1804 69th Street, Galveston Featuring Retailers - Gaby & Grace, Kimmy’s, & Belle Lee’s Save the Date!

NEW MARCH MADNESS VOLUNTEER TRAINING CLASS STARTS MARCH 2ND AT 5:30PM VIA ZOOM

STYLE SHOW Benefiting CASA of Galveston County

Scan QR or visit our website for tickets and sponsorship opportunities

MAKE THE WINNING PICK THIS MARCH! SCAN NOW TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

casagalveston.org/passionforfashion2026

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 1335 S. Egret Bay Blvd., League City • www.golpc.org

• 935 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.fs8.com/studio/webster

Coming soon

9 Slick City Action Park With franchises across the country, the action park is known for its variety of indoor slides that can launch guests into the air before landing on bean bags. Along with the slides, guests can also enjoy arcade games, laser tag and a zip rail, as well as activities for younger children such as mini slides, a jungle gym and a web crawler. • Opening in April • 20750 Gulf Fwy., Webster • www.slickcity.com/tx-webster 10 HeartCore The boutique fitness studio offers high-energy, low- impact workouts designers to build strength, cardio endurance and recovery. • Opening spring 2026 • 2114 El Dorado Blvd., Ste. 400, Friendswood • www.theheartcoretx.com 11 Mindful Health The location will offer both in-person and virtual care, including psychiatry, therapy, holistic care, yoga, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. • Opening in 2027 • 925 Calder Drive, League City • www.mindful.health

14 Ciao Bella Bakery Cafe The cafe will offer fresh-baked desserts, pastries and coffee, among other items. • Opening TBD • 595 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster 15 Quick Quack Car Wash The car wash offers a traditional touchless car wash experience with a choice to choose from a selection of custom wash options, use free vacuums and dash wipes. • Opening TBD • 226 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah • www.quickquack.com

19 Summer Moon Coffee The Austin-founded coffee shop specializes in Texas post oak-roasted coffee beans and their very own Moon Milk sweet creamer. The coffee shop’s menu includes hot and cold coffee beverages, such as Summer Moon Latte, Blue Moon Latte and Winter Moon Latte, as well as pastries and breakfast sandwiches. • Opening Feb. 28 • 1340 E. League City Parkway, Unit 100, League City • www.summermooncoffee.com

Relocations

16 Bayou and Bay Massage The business offers clinical and therapeutic massage services for pain relief, recovery and overall wellness. • Relocated mid-December • 17226 Mercury Drive, Ste. 300, Houston • www.massagebook.com/therapists/bayoubaymassage 17 Clear Lake Medical Group The practice, which is part of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, offers primary care services, including respiratory illness care, mental health management, health screenings, weight loss programs, sports medicine and podiatry services, among other services. • Relocated Jan. 23 • 251 W. Medical Center Blvd., Ste. 300, Webster • www.clearlakemed.com 18 Natural Medicine Center Services include chiropractic and kinesiology services, detoxification programs, acupuncture, functional medicine and clinical nutrition, among others. • Relocated Jan. 29 • 4550 W. League City Parkway, Ste. 130, League City • www.drbobrakowski.com

Worth the trip

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

Pinkerton’s Barbecue Established in 2016, Pinkerton’s Barbecue serves Texas- style pit barbecue, including slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, sausage and chicken. • Opened Jan. 20 • 3801 Farnham St., Houston • www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

12 Baskin Robbins The specialty ice cream chain offers ice cream cones, sundaes and ice cream cakes. • Opening TBD • 2925 Gulf Fwy. S., Ste. A, League City • www.baskinrobbins.com 13 Lifepoint Church The location will offer a range of church, family and community-focused programs centered on Christian teaching and fellowship. • Opening TBD

Experienced Home Care You Can Trust…

Live life your way! You and your family deserve the best home care. From a few hours a week to 24/7 care, we tailor a personalized care plan to fit your lifestyle.

leaguecityhomecare.com (281) 557-4357

• Companion care • Light housekeeping

• Memory care

• Errands, shopping • Hygiene & personal care • Cooking, meals & more

BAY AREA EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day

Voters in Galveston and Harris counties can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on election day. Visit www.galvestonvotes.org or www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations and the full list of candidates.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Texas House, District 129 R Scott Bowen R Bob Mitchell

D Richard H. Davis D Konstantinos Vogiatzis

R Richard Vega Galveston County judge

Sample ballot

Federal elections U.S. House, District 14 R Jessica Forgy R Randy Weber* D Thurman Bill Bartie

R Mark Henry* R Chris Kinard Galveston County district clerk

State elections Texas Senate, District 11 D Shannon Dicely D Cameron A. Rollwitz

Local elections Harris county commissioner, Precinct 2 R Raquel Hernandez Boujourne

R John D. Kinard* R Samantha Morris

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY VELASCO & CATHERINE WHITE

KEY: *Incumbent

Galveston County Judge, Republican Primary

What are the biggest challenges facing Galveston County?

Why are you running for oce?

Galveston County needs to keep lowering the tax rate, ghting for meaningful appraisal reform, reducing the size of government and bolstering our law enforcement. That is why I am running.

The biggest challenge for residents is skyrocketing property appraisals. I have been ghting for reform at the State Legislature while Galveston County has cut below the no-new-revenue rate for 15 straight years, unlike other entities. The system is broken and needs to be xed.

Mark Henry* Occupation & experience: county judge (15 years serving), retired Air Force ocer and small business owner www.judgehenry.com

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

Chris Kinard Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

At UTMB Health, your heart health begins with preventive care. That’s why we encourage you to start with your primary care provider—they’re your partner in monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key indicators that keep your heart strong. UTMB Health offers advanced specialty care for those living with heart disease, but the best way to protect your heart is to act early. A simple checkup today can help prevent serious problems tomorrow. Expertise with Heart

Schedule your primary care visit at utmbhealth.com/primarycare.

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) is in-network for most major insurance plans. utmbhealth.com/primarycare

BAY AREA EDITION

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832.632.2273 VisitingAngels.com/Webster

Each Visiting Angels agency is a franchise that is independently owned and operated. The Franchisor, Living Assistance Services Inc., does not control or manage the day-to-day business operations of any Visiting Angels franchised agency. ®2025 Visiting Angels is a registered trademark of Living Assistance Services, Inc. License #021493 | NPI: 1386350189 .

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY # 311651

Stop Overpaying on Property Taxes

74% Save on Property Taxes

In Galveston County, 74% of residential properties were not protested, meaning nearly 128,000 properties may have been overpaying on their tax bills. Join the 127,000+ neighboring properties in the greater Houston area that trust Ownwell. Scan to start saving.

Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas, internal Ownwell data.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY CATHERINE WHITE

KEY: *Incumbent

What are the biggest challenges facing Galveston County?

Galveston County District Clerk

Why are you running for oce?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

John D. Kinard* Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

I believe public service should reect the integrity and work ethic I expect in the classroom and at home. It’s time for change in Galveston County’s District Clerk’s Oce, with a full-time elected ocial focused on taxpayers, public service and responsible stewardship of county resources.

We must continue cutting property taxes, and the Galveston County District Clerk’s Oce can help by improving systems and using technology. We need a District Clerk who is responsive, puts the public rst and keeps the oce open and accessible without legislative mandates from Austin.

Samantha Morris Occupation & experience: 17 years serving as an educator www.electsamantha.com

The future of heart care is here. At St. Luke’s Health, we understand the extraordinary power of the human heart – not just to beat, but to heal. That’s why we’re dedicated to a future where every heart has

the chance to thrive, offering our patients the most advanced treatments and breakthrough innovations, from a leading team of board-certified heart experts.

Everything we do at St. Luke’s Health; we do to shape the future of heart care.

Care that’s there with you, every beat of the way.

Learn more at care.commonspirit.org/stlukes-health-heart .

BAY AREA EDITION

Transportation

BY HALEY VELASCO

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

TURNER ST.

C ITY PKWY.

518

ERVIN ST.

League City Parkway and Walker Street intersection improvements Project: Intersection improvements along the intersection includes a redesign to add additional lanes and adjust drainage. Update: Permitting from the Texas Department of Transportation is pending. • Timeline: bidding to now come in later 2026 • Cost: $2.1M • Funding source: Galveston County’s 2018 bond

Reconstruction of Butler Road and Turner Street

FM 518 at County Lane intersection improvements Project: The project includes replacing the area’s span wire traffic signals with signals on poles, as well as improving the pedestrian crossing bridge and making the area’s signals more resilient to storms. Update: The project was awarded in August 2025. • Timeline: contract calls for 320 days to complete with work expected to wrap in the fall due to long wait on signal equipment • Cost: $504,000 • Funding source: city’s reinvestment fund

Project: The project is being carried out in two phases and involves roadway improvements and reconstructing the asphalt roadway, as well as waterline work. Update: Work is currently ongoing. • Timeline: project expected to be done by end of October • Cost: $6.12M • Funding source: city’s reinvestment fund

Paid Political Advertisement REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS

Elect: George Brian Vachris to State Board of Education District 8 Licensed Engineer, Former Teacher in Houston ISD, taught at a Title 1 School for 9 years. Dedicated to improving: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Curricula. Familiar with the Texas Education Agency Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Course Framework. He successfully testified against a bad proposed engineering course to have it rewritten and redesignated, in November 2024. He testified at a Texas State Senate Committee against the use of incorrect pronoun designations and transgender transitions. This should have no place in our public schools. Patriotism and the benefits of free market economies versus socialist and communist economies must be taught. By Law, SB 24 requires that the State incorporate the teaching of the evils of communist regimes, the mass starvations, the terror under Stalin and Mao, the rise of communism in Latin America, etc. The provisions of the law must be incorporated into the TEKS for chapter 113 (social studies). This law is NOT on the list of new requirements on the TEA website! Why? He will pay attention to details and work to adjust the TEKS. Part of his testimony is shown below. He has 4 degrees in various fields, helped write the Republican Platform.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT IS TO REMIND THE BOARD THAT SENATE BILL 24 REQUIRES THE STATE TO TEACH THE DANGERS AND CRIMES OF COMMUNIST REGIMES…THE KEY TO ADOPTING SB 24 INTO THE CURRICULUM IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL OF THE PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE TEKS FOR THE …REQUIRED COURSES… [Part of his Testimony Before S.B.O.E. Nov. 19, 2025]

Conservative Republican Dedicated Patriot Educator www.vachriscampaign.com Paid Political Advertisement by Vachris Campaign, Eric A. Scott, Treasurer

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY HALEY VELASCO

Population within the Bay Area has grown by over 8% from 2019 to 2024, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, median household incomes have varied throughout the area, with three ZIP codes seeing an increase and one seeing a decrease. On Jan. 29, the U.S. Census Bureau released new five-year data for 2024 as part of its American Community Survey. The new data represents a five-year estimate of the population across the country from 2020 to 2024, according to the bureau website. This data compares with the 2019 survey results, which studied the country from 2015 to 2019. Population grows in Bay Area, new data shows

Local demographics*

total population: 160,249

2024

total population: 147,982

2019

1 65.8%

1 53.7%

1 White 2 Hispanic or Latino 3 Other race 4 Asian 5 Black or African American 6 Two or more races 7 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 8 American Indian or Alaskan Native

1 White 2 Hispanic or Latino 3 Asian 4 Black or African American 5 Two or more races 6 Other race 7 American Indian or Alaskan Native 8 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

2 16.5%

2 16.72%

3 12.7%

6 1.61% 5 2.8%

6 3.8%

3 6.64%

At a closer glance

4 7.2%

At a closer glance

4 6.19%

5 5.8%

7 0.2%

8 0.01%

7 0.3%

8 0.02%

*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2019 AND 2024 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Median household income

Education level**

2019 2024

High school graduate or higher

Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved

$200K

+16.37%

$150K

+8.71%

-6.92%

+24.87%

$100K

62.15%

64.5%

33.57%

34.35%

$50K

77058

77059

77062

77573

**BASED ON TOTAL POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Promote your business

Coming Soon! Community Impact’s Home Guide

Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com

BAY AREA EDITION

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

League City Police Department to apply for nearly $4M in grants

League City drainage systems to be improved League City City Council voted unanimously at its Jan. 13 meeting to award $3.2 million in contracts to improve the drainage system along FM 518 and South Wesley Drive. The details The contractor began work in January with a slated completion in July, according to city documents. City officials awarded the project, along with a work-change order to Houston-based Environ- mental Allies and approved a separate contract for construction material testing services to engineer- ing consultant Terracon Consultants, according to city documents. The funds for the project will be taken from the community development block grant and the 2020 Proposition A drainage bond program, according to city documents.

One more thing

Drainage project costs

646

Construction contract: $2,845,262 Work change order: $284,526 Construction materials testing services contract: $25,400

League City resident Kenneth Attocknie said he opposed the city’s involvement with Operation Lone Star and said he felt the city did not give the decision to partner with other agencies on immigration enforcement as much time for deliberation as other items, such as transportation projects. Attocknie referred to the city’s August decision to participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE to identify, process and detain noncitizens with criminal charges. Council member Chad Tressler addressed meeting attendees who were concerned about the city’s participation in the 287(g) program, and said that participating in the program allowed the city to ensure that enforcement in the city’s jurisdiction is carried out by the city’s police department, not other agencies.

Subject easement

Total: $3.15M

The League City Police Department will apply for several grants to fund law enforcement operations following approval to apply by League City City Council at its Jan. 27 meeting. If the grants are approved, it could add close to $4 million in funding, documents show. The $1 million border security grant funds may be used to provide personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, travel and training in support of Operation Lone Star activities, according to city documents. Gov. Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in 2021 in what the state says is an effort to address illegal border crossings, human smuggling and drug trafficking.

League City Police Department grants The grants are offered through the state and can be used to fund the following operations up to the amount requested:

New land acquired for Grand Parkway League City City Council approved selling a 1.8-acre highway easement to the Texas Department of Transportation for nearly $319,000 at its Jan. 13 meeting, advancing the Grand Parkway extension. The overview The land, part of a 17-acre tract, currently serves as a detention pond. TxDOT and the city reached an agreement to protect drainage during construction.

FM 518 & Wesley Drive: phase 1 of drainage improvements

Vehicles used for event barricades: $2M

Border security: $1M

Drainage improvements

Gym equipment: $500K

Digital forensics capabilities: $147K Body-worn camera program: $58K

Total $3.6M

Crime victims assistance program: $25.2K

518

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BAY AREA 1033 Bay Area Blvd (281) 486-9558

KEMAH 243 FM 2094 (281) 538-9095 SEABROOK 3126 Nasa Pkwy (281) 326-5127

LEAGUE CITY 196 Gulf Fwy S (281) 316-2140

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO & CATHERINE WHITE

Clear Creek ISD to apply for local, state cybersecurity grant

Open enrollment grows at CCISD

Features of the internal penetration test

Network mapping: Identify all devices and connections on the internal network Vulnerability assessment: Scan for outdated software and weak passwords

As Clear Creek ISD’s open enrollment application closed in mid-January, 185 students outside of the district’s boundaries have applied to attend CCISD for the 2026-27 school year, district ocials said. The district’s open enrollment program has grown after the board of trustees approved an expansion of it in February 2025. The revised policy gives the super- intendent authority to accept or reject transfer requests based on district policy, stang and space availability, as previously reported by Community Impact. The details The district received a total of 218 appli- cations representing 182 unique students, as some applied to multiple programs or campuses, district ocials said.

Clear Creek ISD will apply for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, or SLCGP, following board approval at its Feb. 2 meeting to support continued evaluation of the district’s cybersecurity status and identify potential vulnerabilities. The details The SLCGP provides funding to assess cyberse- curity protections for critical systems, including nancial records and operational systems, according to district documents. If awarded, the district would use funding to conduct an internal penetration test, which simulates cyber attack conditions, according to district documents.

Simulated attacks: Test for possible entry points

Data protection: Verify that critical les are secure

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next Following the Feb. 12 application deadline, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will notify districts of their grant status later in 2026.

San Jacinto College launches emergency alert app San Jacinto College launched SJC AlertMe, a free mobile application to keep students, employees and surrounding community members informed of emergencies, according to a Jan. 21 news release from the college. The app will deliver real-time notications about weather closures, critical campus updates and urgent safety alerts. What you need to know Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the app features include: • Incident reporting • Campus maps, emergency procedures and key contacts—accessible even oine • Optional location sharing and “Friend Walk” features

“At San Jacinto College, the well-being of our students, employees and visitors is always our top priority. SJC AlertMe enhances our ability to communicate quickly and eectively, while

also giving individuals tools to take an active role in their own safety.” ALI SHAH, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY ROO MOODY

Seabrook’s 30-acre town centre opening in 2027

New Regional Planning o- cially broke ground Jan. 31 for a new 30-acre mixed-use retail development district in Seabrook that will be known as the Seabrook Town Centre. The commercial real estate company specializes in market research, property development, property management and brokerage services. The company is behind developments such as Houston’s Post Oak Plaza and Memorial City, and has its sights set south. About the project Located between Hwy. 146 and Lakeside Drive, according to New Regional Planning’s website, the Seabrook Town Centre will include: • 320 multifamily units • 19,020 square feet of mixed- use space • 5,000-square-foot o ce building at the corner of the development Current designs feature open green spaces, fountains and a courtyard area for community events, which New Regional

Planning stated will happen frequently. Pad sites, which are buildable lots that already have groundwork completed, will range from 3,000 to 6,500 square feet. Drive-thru options will also be available for future tenants with multiple curb cuts. Retail buildings will oer up to 8,840 square feet per unit, according to the website. Also of note The town centre will sit in the area’s “already explosive growth,” according to the website. The population within the ve- mile radius has grown by about 20% since 2010 and is expected to increase by 4.5% by 2027, accord- ing to the website. To adjust to the growth, the city of Seabrook is planning to update its 2035 Comprehensive Master Plan in April, according to the website. Several businesses already have plans to migrate toward the new center. New Regional Planning’s website states Margaritaville has plans for a nearby location, and a Compass hotel is slated to open in Clear Lake.

Midline. Coming soon to the Bay Area! THE HOMES: • From the low $400s • Webster, TX 77598 THE COMMUNITY: • South of Houston, west of the bay • City life meets island lifestyle • Future urban oasis

NASA 1

FIND YOUR HOME

Midline

Webster

Seabrook Town Centre

NASA 1

528

146

RENDERING COURTESY NEW REGIONAL PLANNING

The centre’s ve-mile radius is expected to grow by 4.5% by 2027.

HUMBLEDR.

BAY AREA EDITION

Sunken boats litter Clear Lake and bays From the cover

Current situation

Status of vessels found

County boundary

Texas Coastal Zone boundaries

Reported boats since the GLO began tracking vessels in Houston-area waters in 2006

Harris County

Clear Lake resident Russel Lavigne recalls seeing a sunken sailboat in a highly tracked area of Clear Lake. All that remained visible of the boat was the mast towering above the water. “On rainy days, on cloudy days, nighttime and foggy conditions, you could barely see it, and it was a highly tracked area,” Lavigne said. Lavigne vented his frustrations on social media, where he learned that many others shared his concerns about abandoned boats, prompting him to call a public meeting. “Lo and behold, 50 people showed up to the rst meeting,” Lavigne said. Eventually, that meeting transformed into an organization called Citizens Against Derelict Dumping, which later became Dead Boats Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprot, in 2024. Collectively, Dead Boats Society raised enough money to retrieve the sailboat for $5,000, which is half of what it normally costs, thanks to partnerships with local tow boat companies. It can cost as much as $20,000 to remove boats, depending on the type of boat, Lavigne said. To date, the organization has helped remove seven boats, Lavigne said.

472

Pending Reported Eligible for removal Removed

Chambers County

GALVESTON BAY

413

146

0 100 200 300 400 500

Galveston County

48 events hosted for vessel turn-in programs 1,854 vessels safely destroyed 30,124.5 linear feet of boat

3,939 gallons of fuel recovered 23 vessels removed from Clear Lake, Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay areas in 2025

Brazoria County

GULF OF AMERICA

SOURCE: TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Failure to remove these boats results in dangerous, invisible hazards for other boaters, said Phillip “Capt. Pip” Bauerlein, owner of Tugboat U.S. Clear Lake and Galveston. For example, the disintegrated remains of a 40- foot houseboat now lie underwater, completely invisible from the surface but capable of damaging other vessels that might run over it. The Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991 authorizes the Texas General Land Oce to

remove and dispose of abandoned and derelict vessels in Texas coastal waters. However, despite having the authority, it is not legally required to remove derelict vessels, according to the agency’s website. The GLO does not receive specic funding to remove and dispose of abandoned vessels, which can cost upwards of $1,500 per foot, depending on the size, type and placement of the vessel.

Breaking it down

Who handles an abandoned boat?

Agency response If statutory criteria are met, the GLO’s Oil Spill division may assume jurisdiction.

Report A boat is left unattended for at least seven days, long enough to be reported.

Ownership conrmation Texas Parks and Wildlife conrms title and registration to nd the owner and contact.

Risk assessment State agencies assess environmental risk, such as a fuel leak.

Removal A licensed contractor is tasked with removing the boat, which is then scrapped or recycled.

SOURCE: TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Big GOALS. Big REWARDS.

6640 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100 League City, TX 77573 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

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BY RACHEL LELAND

Measuring the impact

In their own words

What happens next?

Bauerlein, who grew up on Clear Lake and navigated the area’s waters for years, said the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a massive increase in abandoned boats as more people wanted to get into boating as a hobby. However, they were unaware of the costs of maintaining and storing a boat, which Bauerlein said generally runs 10% of the boat’s value. “When money gets tight, you know you’re paying for the house, you’re buying food, everything else is secondary,” Bauerlein said. Lavigne said boat owners who can’t aord marina storage often give their vessels to someone who will live aboard full-time. “They’ll come get it for free, and they won’t document it or have insurance or anything, and they’ll bring it out to the middle of the lake, and then they’ll anchor that boat,” Lavigne said. In December, League City passed an ordinance creating a formal permit system for liveaboard boats requiring annual renewal and routine safety and sanitation checks in an eort to keep track of abandoned boats, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. League City Mayor Nick Long said he toured the lake with the GLO and was told there were at least 26 abandoned boats at the time, prompting him to reach out to other coastal communities to work on a solution. “We don’t want … those boats to be pushed out in the lake to where it becomes everybody’s problem, and so we’ve established the procedures behind that and established how we’re going to get ahead of this,” Long said.

Bauerlein said pirates were responsible for how many boats were sinking, as well, because they strip abandoned boats for valuable items, such as batteries or the motor, leaving the boat to sink after it lls up with rainwater. The process of removing these “dead” boats is paralyzed by state-level ine- ciencies and a lack of nancial support, Bauerlein said. Even after the GLO determines a boat is abandoned, the agency must wait for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to issue a certicate to authorize removing the boat—a process that can take months.

“Even though we may believe a boat is abandoned or derelict, the state’s lawyers still have the nal say as to whether they believe that [it] meets their denition

of abandonment. We don’t always see eye to eye on that.” RUSSELL LAVIGNE, PRESIDENT OF DEAD BOATS SOCIETY

“Since tracking began in 2006, the [Texas General Land Oce] has tracked 1,857 derelict vessels

Abandoned boats by age

in 18 coastal counties.” SAMANTHA WHARRY, DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY, TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE

Currently and statewide, 73 registered boats, the majority of which are older, have been led as abandoned under Texas state law since July 2025.

1980-1999: 39.73% 2000-2014: 26.03% 2015-present: 15.06% Pre-1980: 19.18%

14 11

Abandoned boats by length

“We ran all over the lake and growing up, we water skied out here. We swam. We played, and it just frustrates

<15 ft 23 The majority of the abandoned boats logged by Texas Parks and Wildlife are shorter than 20 feet.

me to see these junk boats.” PHILLIP “CAPT. PIP” BAUERLEIN, OWNER OF TUGBOAT U.S. CLEAR LAKE AND GALVESTON

15-20 ft 29

20-30 ft 17

30 ft+ 4

SOURCE: TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

• 2391 Gun Range Road, League City • www.texasscubaadventures.com

Park features a 1K, 5K and fun run, as well as live music, snacks and beverages. • Feb. 28, 7:30 a.m. • $15-$35 (per person)

February

Kids Night at the Rec Parents can enjoy a night out while children ages 6-12 enjoy a supervised evening with games, crafts, movies and themed activities at the community center. • Feb. 20, 5:30-9 p.m. • $15-$30 (per child) • 400 S. Kansas Ave., League City • www.leaguecitytx.gov/4433/Community-Center Porche Car Show The Kemah Boardwalk Concours d’Elegance will showcase a variety of Porsche cars and include an awards ceremony. Participants must register online in advance. • Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. • $50 (entry fee) • 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah • www.kemahboardwalk.com/porsche-car-show 2026 Polar Plunge Texas Scuba Adventures is hosting a polar plunge at Lake Longhorn. Tickets include one tank, weights, homemade chili, drinks and other light snacks. • Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • $20 (per ticket), $25 (gear rental)

Clear Creek Cleanup Held through January and February, volunteers are needed for weekend cleanups along Highway 270, which begin at the League City boat ramp. Cleanup bags and boat transportation will be provided, and all ages are welcome, but children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. • Feb. 20-21 and 28, check-in at 8:30 a.m., boats depart at 9 a.m. • Free • Highway 270 near NASA Road 1, League City • Facebook: Clear Creek Environmental Foundation Music in the Historic District Hosted by the League City Folk Association and League City Historical Society, the family-friendly event features live music with personal food and beverages welcome. • Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m. • Free • 512 2nd St., League City • www.leaguecityhistory.org/music-at-the-museum Heart Healthy Hustle The fundraiser for Bay Area Service Teens at Walter Hall

• 807 State Hwy. 3 N., League City • www.bayareaserviceleague.org

March

Moon 2 Mars Festival Enjoy space technology, a visit to the NASA Johnson Space Center, cosmic exploration and two live concerts at the Space Center Houston festival.

• March 11-14, times vary • $34.95-$150 (per ticket) • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • www.spacecenter.org/moon2marsfestival

Seabrook Lucky Trails The city of Seabrook is hosting the annual running event at Rex L. Meador Park, featuring a full marathon and a half-marathon.

• March 13-15, times vary • $20-$225 (per person) • 2100 Meyer Road, Seabrook • www.seabrooktx.gov/94/Annual-Events

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ROO MOODY

Family Campout Families can register for the outdoor, overnight experience at Hometown Heroes Park and participate in crafts and games while learning basic camping safety and skills. • March 6-7, 4 p.m.-9 a.m. • $40 (residents), $80 (non-residents) • 1001 E. League City Parkway, League City • www.leaguecitytx.gov/4417/Parks-Recreation

Puppy Love Market The artisan shopping experience includes a puppy kissing booth, local pet adoptions, pet-friendly items and handmade goods, along with other products.

• Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1406 Main St., Seabrook Facebook: Brunch Sip & Shop Market

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BAY AREA EDITION

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Dining

BY ROO MOODY

Jonny Boulos said if he ever went back into the kitchen, it would be for himself and not for someone else. Boulos had previously done chef work before switching to restaurant management, but said he always had aspirations to create a local coee shop. After meeting Boulos in 2019, Cody Vaughn heard about his idea and wanted in. Vaughn had experience working in corporate coee shops and said she loved the atmosphere and being able to talk with customers. “Cody and I met and got wind of each other’s ideas, and then we slowly formulated this plan of a local place that does everything from scratch and tries to stay as local as we can,” Boulos said. How it happened As the two began planning out the concept, they realized they wanted to oer something that they said wasn’t available in the area: craft doughnuts. After a lot of tinkering with avors, Blackline Cof- fee and Donuts opened in April 2023, serving unique beverages and doughnuts that are brioche-based. On the menu Each month, the space oers around 9-11 dough- nuts, and a gluten-free choice, featuring a mix of year-round favorites and seasonal options. For January, the display case exhibited the Thumbprint Cookie Donut, made with raspberry jam, a raspberry glaze and a shortbread crumble, as well as the Hummingbird, a doughnut with tangy cream cheese frosting rolled in crumbled hummingbird cake. “[We’re] very much a yin to the yang,” Boulos said. “The things Cody said she enjoyed to do, I was like, ‘I don’t enjoy doing those types of things as much as I really should,’ and so it just became this good circle of strengths and weaknesses.” Local duo serves specialty doughnuts, craft coee to Houston’s Bay Area

Seasonal avors include the Puppy Chow doughnut with a dark chocolate glaze and the Red Velvet Cake with homemade cream cheese frosting.

PHOTOS BY ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

203 E. NASA Parkway, Webster www.blacklinecoeedonuts.com

Boulos opened Blackline Coee & Donuts in 2023 with Cody Vaughn.

The store makes fresh brioche doughnuts every day that rest overnight before serving.

BAY AREA EDITION

Real estate

Median home sales prices varied from January 2025 to January 2026, with two ZIP codes seeing an increase, and two ZIP codes seeing a decrease, one being nearly 62%. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2025

January 2026

+10%

+25%

-12.5%

-26.73%

77059

77058

77059

77062

77573

146

77062

77058

GALVESTON BAY

Median home sales price

518

January

2025

2026

$302,500

$115,000

77573

77058

$381,700

$437,000

77059

Homes sold by price point

$272,251

$305,000

77062

January 2026

$390,000

$382,498

77573

>$800,000

$600,000 to $799,999

Median days on market +51.35%

$400,000 to $599,999

-43.59%

+35.29%

-37.25%

$200,000 to $399,999

<$199,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77058

77059

77062

77573

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