Bay Area Edition | January 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 7 JAN. 17FEB. 16, 2026

2026 Health & Wellness Edition

Brought to you by our gold sponsors:

Patients seek alternative paths for chronic conditions

Also in this issue

Election: See who’s on the ballot for primary races in Galveston County (Page 11)

Real estate : Learn more about Legacy by Hillwood’s model homes that recently opened in League City (Page 27)

Certied nurse midwife Elyse Cho performs a thyroid exam. (Rachel Leland/Community Impact)

INSIDE

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*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. KSSCIJ_1085

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen

Papar Faircloth General Manager pfaircloth@ communityimpact.com

Nichaela Shaheen Catherine White 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

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Impacts

specialty tacos and quesadillas, among other items. • Opened Oct. 17 • 207 FM 2094, Kemah • Facebook: Coconut Grove Kemah 9 Em Café The shop’s menu includes Vietnamese coffee, Thai green tea, matcha tea, boba tea and black coffee. • Opened Dec. 12 • 8361 Spencer Hwy., Ste. B, Deer Park • www.emcoffee.net 10 La Brisa Mexican Grill The restaurant reopened after renovations that included additional seating. Menu items include a pollo platter, stuffed chicken, grilled fajitas, enchiladas, street tacos, burritos and seafood options, among other items. • Reopened in December • 501 N. Wesley Drive, League City • www.labrisa.net 11 Pawtopia The store offers a variety of pet nutrition and supplies, including premium pet food, treats and specialty pet products for dogs and cats, alongside accessories and care items. • Opened Dec. 29 • 3020 Marina Bay Drive A, League City • www.pawtopia.net 12 Papa’s Pizza The restaurant serves a variety of pizzas with unique toppings, including barbecue chicken, chicken fajita, Philly cheesesteak and spinach alfredo. Other menu items include calzones, wings, sandwiches and piadas, while desserts include churro bites, apple pie crunchers, tiramisu and beignet bites. • Opened Jan. 12 • 248 S. Egret Bay Blvd., League City • www.freehotpizza.com

SPACE CENTER BLVD.

LUELLA AVE.

SPENCER HWY.

LUELLA BLVD.

146

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

EL DORADO BLVD.

Seabrook

20 15

2094

EASTFIELD DR. N. VILLAGE DR.

GATEBROOK DR.

CLEAR LAKE

Nassau Bay

146

GALVESTON BAY

2351

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

518

528

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

N. WESLEY DR.

Webster

W. LEAGUE CITY PKWY.

League City

646

HOLLAND RD.

DELANY RD.

2094

517

LAGO MAR BLVD.

reopened as Sam’s Sunset Kitchen. The new restaurant features 60 TVs, locally sourced seafood and waterfront seating with a new menu coming soon. • Opened Dec. 2 • 3101 NASA Road 1, Seabrook • www.samsboat.com/locations/seabrook 5 Pizza King Pizzas include meat, veggie, Hawaiian, chicken wing, barbecue chicken, the Caribbean, mac and cheese and Greek, among other toppings. • Opened Sept. 16 6 517 Burgers & More The restaurant serves “smash” style burgers, grilled cheese, waffle fries, onion rings and milkshakes. • Opened Oct. 17 • 2119 FM 517 Road E, Dickinson 7 Gorilla Disc Golf Shoppe The business sells discs, accessories like range finders and disc bags, as well as a robust collection of disc golf apparel. The business also hosts tournaments on Sundays and Wednesdays at Taylor Lake Village City Park, located at 500 Kirby Blvd., Taylor Lake Village. • Opened Sept. 14 • 3540 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook • www.gorilladiscgolf.com • 800 Bradford Ave., Kemah • www.pizzakingtexas.com

Now open

1 Tifa Chocolate & Gelato The business serves 24 flavors of fresh gelato made in-house, including stracciatella, vanilla bean, dark chocolate, cookie butter, pineapple coconut sorbetto, strawberry balsamic, espresso chip and salted caramel. The store will also work seasonal flavors into the rotation. • Opened Oct. 17 • 1065 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 240, Webster • www.tifachocolateandgelato.com 2 C and J’s Bargains The bin and liquidation store discounts retailers that purchase large volumes of customer returns, overstock and closeout merchandise from major retailers, such as Target or Amazon, and sells those items at a fraction of 3 RTIC Outdoors The cooler and drinkware brand opened a location at Tanger Outlets. The business was founded in 2018 by Spring natives, Jim and John Jacobsen. • Opened Nov. 24 • 5885 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 245, Texas City • www.rticoutdoors.com 4 Sam’s Sunset Kitchen Following renovations in December, Sam’s Boat their original price. • Opened Nov. 26 • 8715 Hwy. 6, Hitchcock • Facebook: C and J’s Bargains LLC

Coming soon

13 Tune Up The Manly Salon Services will include haircuts and fades, shaves, beard washes and trims, manicures and pedicures, and waxing, among other services. • Opening in January • 1260 E. League City Parkway, Ste. 100, League City • www.tuneupsalon.com 14 Chipotle The fast casual restaurant serves build-your-own burritos, bowls, tacos and salads with fresh ingredients and customizable options. • Opening in February • 1603 W. League City Parkway, League City • www.chipotle.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

15 P. Terry’s The burger stand sells all-natural burgers and fries, without hormones or antibiotics, and uses Idaho Burbank potatoes hand-cut every day. Other items on

8 Coconut Grove Menu items include chicken tortilla soup, fajitas,

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

weekend brunch. Dishes include house nachos, chile con queso, tortilla soup, Frito pie and ceviche, as well as birria tacos, chile gravy enchiladas and carne guisada, among other items. • Opened Dec. 22 • 5101 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.candentehtx.com

the menu include freshly-squeezed lemonade, baked goods and hand-spun milkshakes. • Opening TBD • 18611 Eastfield Drive, Webster • www.pterrys.com 16 Dakota at Kemah The luxury apartment complex broke ground on Dec. 9. Residents will be able to choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom units, totaling 229 and spread out in 10 three-story buildings. • Opening TBD • 2801 Lawrence Road, Kemah • www.dakotaprop.com/construction-projects 17 Gold Rush The store will offer precious metal and gemstone buying services, including on‑site evaluation and cash offers for gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, jewelry, coins and bullion. • Opening TBD • 500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • www.goldrushhouston.com

Coming soon

Closings

18 Bakkhus Taverna The Greek restaurant shut its doors after 20 years in business. The restaurant offered traditional Greek fare like gyros as well as seafood and American dishes. • Closed Dec. 21 • 605 6th St., Kemah 19 Factory Direct Mattress The store opened in May and had a luxury and two- sided mattress collection, as well as eco-friendly options, and delivery and consultation services, among other items and services. The business has since reopened as Comfort & Couture, and moved to 7044 W. Fuqua St., Missouri City on Oct. 14. • Closed in October • 803 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. 152, Webster

20 The Rice Box The Houston-based Chinese-American takeout restaurant will offer contemporary Chinese- American dishes like General Tso, pepper steak and beef with broccoli, as well as fried noodles and street food like dumplings and wings. Other locations are in Hedwig Village, Rice Village, River

Oaks, the Heights and Greenway Plaza. • Opening in second quarter of 2026 • 114 El Dorado Blvd., Webster • www.riceboxed.com

Worth the trip

Candente The Bellaire location will serve lunch, dinner and

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BAY AREA EDITION

Government

Liveaboards on marinas required to comply with new permits, inspections

What it means

The ordinance goes into eect 30 days after it is passed, according to city documents. Violating the new ordinance could result in nes, permit revocation or even misdemeanor charges, according to city documents.

Liveaboards at League City marinas must comply with new permits and inspections or risk nes after League City City Council approved the ordinance in a 7-1 vote Dec. 16. Residents must obtain a liveaboard permit from the city and pay an annual fee of $150. The ordinance also increases the city’s authority to remove vessels that are deemed abandoned or derelict, city documents note. Liveaboard resident Michael Sample said many liveaboards live on their boats for their love of the water. “We could go buy a house, we could go live in an apartment, but we choose to be liveaboards because we live on the water, and that is our passion,” he said. “If you do this, you’re infringing on our passion.”

The permit application requires the following:

Proof of a Coast Guard or certied marine safety inspection within 60 days of application

Marinas in League City

CLEAR LAKE

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

South Shore Harbor Marina JMK5 Marina

TWIN OAKS BLVD.

Written consent for the city to perform a criminal background check

Liability insurance and 24-hour emergency towing, unless waived

“We are trying to go the right direction and getting these things livable and getting

An onboard daily log documenting occupancy, sanitation and safety or wastewater issues

these things sanitary and getting them safe.” NICK LONG, LEAGUE CITY MAYOR

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

You could say Midline is very much in the middle of somewhere. Nicely nestled between Baybrook Mall and Challenger Seven Memorial Park, everything from restaurants to retail to nature is nearby. Miles of trails (and a pool) are in the plans. And a fresh mix of homes from our first four builders will be your home base for it all. New homes from the high $300s to $800s+ MODEL HOMES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION COMING APRIL 2026

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Pricing is provided for informational purposes only, is non-binding, and is subject to adjustments and change. Availability, prices, materials and options may vary. All photographs, renderings and other depictions are for the sole purpose of illustration. Brookfield and its affiliates do not discriminate against any class of persons protected by federal, state or local law. Models do not reflect racial preference. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Copyright ©2025 Midline is a trademark of BC-SB Baybrook JV LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

League City votes to dissolve MUD No. 14

League City rejects utility rate increase League City City Council unanimously voted to deny an attempt by the Texas-New Mexico Power Company to increase the city’s utility rates at its Dec. 16 meeting. Why it matters TNMP will reimburse League City for the city’s legal fees in the rate case, a TNMP official said. For a resident using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the rate increase would have bumped their bill up by $5.50, according to city documents. The company asserted that the rate increase is driven primarily by its capital investment and increases in its costs since its last rate case, according to city documents.

Galveston County MUD No. 14

S T .

646

League City City Council voted unanimously to dissolve Galveston County Municipal Utility District No. 14 at its Dec. 16 meeting. What it means MUDs are authorized to build and maintain infrastructure necessary to supply water, collect waste, control stormwater, irrigate land, modify land elevation and provide recreational facilities within the district by levying a property tax within the district, according to the Texas Water Code. Why it matters For decades, the district funded essential infra- structure like water and drainage systems by issuing and selling bonds, according to city documents. In 1999, the district entered an agreement with the city where the district was responsible for build- ing the utility systems, which were then handed

517

646

over to the city for ownership and maintenance, while the district still maintained the responsibility to repay the principal and interest on any bonds that were issued. The MUD’s board of directors submitted a request to the city on Oct. 27 to dissolve the district, since the district completed its final debt-service payment on Oct. 1, according to city documents. Quote of note “It’s always a good day to get rid of a MUD,” Mayor Nick Long said.

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BAY AREA EDITION

Development

BY HALEY VELASCO

New $150M, 12.5K-seat amphitheater coming to Webster

A new 12,500-seat amphitheater is slated to open in Webster, according to a Dec. 11 news release from VENU, the owner and operator of the upcoming venue. VENU is a Colorado-based developer and operator of luxury, entertainment destinations, according to the news release. What you need to know The amphitheater, which will be named Sunset Amphitheater Houston, will be 34 acres, located in the Flyway area, the news release states. “This is an announcement we’ve been thrilled to make, and it represents a major step forward,” said VENU Founder and CEO J.W. Roth. “With Webster’s deep roots in innovation and explora- tion, Flyway is elevating the region’s entertain- ment scene to new heights.” Flyway is an up and coming 80+ acre dining, recreation and entertainment hub in the south- east quadrant of Webster.

The details Sunset Amphitheater Houston will have a projected economic impact of over $3.7 billion and create over 400 jobs in the rst 20 years, according to the release. A notable feature in the venue is the Aikman Club, which will be located at the heart of the venue with 350 seats for a membership-based elevated space built in partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, according to the news release. The project is in collaboration with the city of Webster, the Webster Economic Development Corp. and VENU, according to the news release. Stay tuned Additional project details, including con- struction timelines and future programming announcements, will be released in the coming months, according to the news release.

Parking lot

Amphitheater

GREAT WOLF WAY

ROYAL TERN WAY

“This amphitheater advances Webster’s super-regional draw and builds on strengths that continue to fuel Flyway’s momentum, further establishing the district as a premier

entertainment hub for the Southeast Texas region.” DONNA JASSO, MAYOR, CITY OF WEBSTER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HALEY VELASCO

Primary races in Galveston County underway

List of candidates on the ballot for primary races in Galveston County.

What's next? Dates to know for 2026 elections

Key R Republican D Democrat

*AN ASTERISK INDICATES INCUMBENT

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June. July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Feb. 2: last day to register to vote

Local elections

Feb. 17-Feb. 27: early voting for primary elections

County judge: R Mark Henry* R Chris Kinard D Albert Al Smith District clerk: R John D. Kinard* R Samantha Morris

The filing deadline for the March primary elections ended Dec. 8, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The overview At least two races in Galveston County are being contested by Democratic and Republican candidates across March primary elections. During the primary, voters will select the Democratic and Republican party nominees who will then appear on the November 2026 general election ballot alongside any independent or other party candidates. What else? In neighboring county Brazoria County, the highest contested races are for county judge

March 3: primary election day

May 26: runoff primary election

Oct. 5: last day to register to vote for general election

NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME. SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Oct. 19-30: early voting for general election

Nov. 3: general election

with five candidates and county commissioner, precinct 2, which has three candidates, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

NOTE: THIS TIMELINE DOES NOT INCLUDE INFORMATION FOR LOCAL RACES. SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BAY AREA EDITION

Your Health. Our Passion.

A New Year of Possibility

At UTMB Health, we believe every new year brings a new opportunity to feel better, move better, and live better. That’s why we’re committed to helping our community take control of their health in 2026, with expert care and support at every step. Whether you’re due for a checkup or ready to set new wellness goals, our providers are here to help you get on track with preventive care, chronic condition management, and guidance on starting a healthy routine. Wherever you are on your health journey, UTMB Health is here to help you move forward with purpose, with passion, and with a team that’s always by your side.

Learn more about how UTMB Health can support your new year health goals at utmbhealth.com/newyear2026.

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) is in-network for most major insurance plans. utmbhealth.com/newyear2026

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HALEY VELASCO

Ongoing project

Upcoming project

KWY.

518

PATAGONIA ST.

517

CEMETERY RD.

League City Parkway right-turn lane Project: An eastbound right-turn lane will be designed west of Butler Road to west of I-45 Southbound Frontage Road, and tie to the Texas Department of Transportation’s right-turn lane. Update: Construction is currently ongoing. • Timeline: anticipated completion by end of March • Cost: $2.08M • Funding source: Galveston County bond funds

Extension of Hobbs Road to FM 517 Project: Approximately 1,880 feet of 4-lane divided urban roadway will be constructed from the existing terminus south of the intersection of Patagonia Street and Hobbs Road to FM 517. Update: Project plans are near completion and are currently in right-of-way acquisition and TxDOT’s permitting phase. • Timeline: anticipated bid date by late summer pending ROW acquisition, and construction could start as early as late fall 2026 or early 2027 • Cost: $7.7M • Funding source: Galveston County and city funds

FM 518 at Bay Area Boulevard intersection improvements

Project: To improve intersection capacity and safety, the project scope includes adding a long southbound right-turn lane and extending the existing northbound left-turn lane from 135 feet to 350 feet. Update: Project plans are in review with bidding beginning in the summer. • Timeline: construction slated to start in late fall or early 2027 • Cost: $628,428 • Funding source: city cash funds

BAY AREA EDITION

Health & wellness

BY HALEY VELASCO

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This annual guide highlights opportunities for residents to engage in healthy activities and learn about wellness-related topics in their community. All stories were written by Community Impact’s team of local journalists. In this edition, readers will nd reporting on upcoming parks, local tness centers and the importance of mental health among college students.

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New 106-acre park coming to League City

Pat Hallisey Park design Park area Playground

A park, named after League City’s former mayor Pat Hallisey, is slated to start construction in late May, ocials said. What you need to know The 106-acre park , which will be located near the intersection of Calder Drive and Ervin Street, was previously named Bay Colony Park. The park’s design, according to city documents, includes: • Pickleball and tennis courts

What’s special about it? League City City Council approved the new park to be named “Pat Hallisey Park” at its Feb. 25, 2025 meeting. Hallisey served as League City’s mayor from 2016-22 and was the director of the League City and Galveston County park departments. “Pat Hallisey is probably the most deserving guy for this in League City,” Council member Tommy Cones said. “He worked very hard in his younger days to have a vision for League City and make League City what it is today.” What’s next Design for the park is slated to be completed by the end of February, with the bidding and contract negotiation process beginning soon after through mid-May, Wei said. Construction will begin in late May of this year through April 2028, Wei said.

Tennis/ Pickleball

Softball elds

Parking

Baseball elds

Soccer Fields

Disc golf

Detention pond

• Five softball elds • Four baseball elds • Two soccer elds

$41.08M: Construction $3.92M: Design $476.8K: Land acquisition Cost breakdown for Pat Hallisey Park

The capital improvement project will cost over $45 million and will be paid through park dedi- cation fees and sales-tax revenue from the city’s 4B Industrial Development Corp., said Chien Wei, League City’s parks and cultural services director.

Total $45.48M

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY VELASCO

San Jacinto College’s Robert Murray discusses student needs In an interview with Community Impact , Robert Murray, San Jacinto College’s director of mental health services, discussed the current state of mental health among college students. San Jacinto College deployed new measures to assist students in 2022, and there was a 60% increase in students receiving services between academic years, Murray said. How would you describe the current state of mental health among San Jacinto College students? Like many students across the nation, some San Jacinto College students show increased levels of anxiety, depression and stress. These chal- lenges often place additional strain on students’ social-emotional wellbeing and academic success. However, students demonstrate resilience, and an increasing number are seeking resources and support to address their concerns. Many students engage in counseling services to understand and learn ways to cope with daily life struggles they are experiencing. Have you noticed any new or emerging trends in students’ mental health over the past year? Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in student anxiety related to academic demands and the current political climate. We have also observed that some students are turning to articial intelligence as a means of social connec- tion and as a tool to seek mental health support.

What stressors are impacting students the most today—academically, socially or nancially? As a college that serves a high number of rst gen- eration and economically disadvantaged students, San Jacinto College sees nancial stress impacts students the most. Many students are experiencing challenges related to food and housing insecurity, coupled with the costs of education. Despite these challenges, students continue to actively seek support and utilizing available resources to remain engaged in their academic goals. What factors most inuence a student’s social- emotional wellbeing in college? Students need to create or maintain connection to maintain their social-emotional wellbeing in college. Students not only need a connection to the school, but with their family, peers and community that supports them. Is there anything you wish more people knew about the pressures college students face? Our students face many pressures that often intersect—many are balancing work, home and family responsibilities while pursuing their college education. This combination of demands can create signicant stress, anxiety and depression, negatively aecting their mental health and, in turn, impacting their academic performance and long-term success. What message do you want to leave with students, families or readers about prioritizing mental health? Mental health is essential for maintaining balance while working toward your goals. Experiencing challenges with your mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a reection of resilience. As we often remind our students, we cannot eectively take care of others unless we take care of ourselves.

COURTESY ROBERT MURRAY, DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

Some signs a student may be struggling emotionally

Changes in class attendance, academic interest or performance

Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Seeming overwhelmed, irritable, anxious or withdrawn from others

Changes in sleep or appetite

Expressions of hopelessness

SOURCE: SAN JACINTO COLLEGECOMMUNITY IMPACT

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

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BAY AREA EDITION

Health & wellness Fitness guide

BY HALEY VELASCO & CATHERINE WHITE

SteelWorX Gym and Training Center Services offered: strength & conditioning equipment, free weights and functional training space Classes: small group strength & conditioning sessions Membership costs: $10 day pass and $25-40/monthly depending on plan • 410 Genesis Blvd., Ste. D, Webster • www.steelworxgym.com OTG Fitness Services offered: personal training, custom workout

• 20761 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 13, Webster • www.fitnessconnection.com/gyms/clear-lake

League City

HOTWORX Services offered: 24-hour infrared fitness studio, 24/7 studio entry and access to virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts and a functional exercise zone Classes: 30-minute isometric workouts, including Pilates, athletic style yoga, glute workouts, ballet workouts, abs, hips and lower back workouts and stretch sessions Membership costs: $59-79/month depending on plan • 1600 Clear Lake City Blvd., Houston • www.hotworx.net/studio/houston-clear-lake The Yoga Institute Services offered: variety of yoga practices and classes focused on mindful movement, breath work and meditation Classes: beginners series, practice and pause, gentle yoga, chair yoga, meditation, restorative yoga, yoga nidra and yin yoga Membership costs: $95-149/month depending on plan • 1354 NASA Parkway, Ste. G, Houston • yogainstituteclearlake.com

LA Fitness Services offered: cardio and weight equipment, basketball courts, a pool and sauna Classes: yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, strength and dance fitness Membership costs: $29.99-39.99/month, plus enrollment fees that vary depending on plan • 1220 E. League City Parkway, League City • www.lafitness.com Crunch Fitness Services offered: cardio, free weights, machines and functional training areas Classes: yoga, strength, high-intensity interval training and cycling Membership costs: $9.99-36.99/month, plus enrollment fees that vary depending on plan • 200 S. Gulf Freeway, League City • www.crunch.com/locations/league-city

Premier Strength Gym Services offered: 24/7 gym with strength & conditioning equipment, free weights and personalized training support Classes: personal training & small group sessions Membership costs: $24.99 day pass or $44.99-469.99 depending on plan • 820 W. Main St., League City, TX 77573 • https://premierstrengthgymlc.gymmasteronline.com/ portal/signup

League City

Perry Family YMCA Services offered: full gym, cardio and weight rooms, pools, youth programs and wellness services Classes: group fitness, yoga, cycling, strength and water aerobics Membership costs: $40.80-129/month depending on plan • 1700 W. League City Parkway, League City • www.ymcahouston.org/locations/perry-family-ymca The Exercise Coach Services offered: personalized one-on-one strength training with high-tech strength-training machines, customized workouts Classes: individualized training and small group sessions Membership costs: $35-50 per individual session, $25- 31 per session for small groups (prices may vary)

programs and one-on-one coaching Classes: personal training sessions Membership costs: $39-45/session • 100 E. NASA Parkway, #15, Webster • www.otgfitness.com/webster

Courtside Fitness Services offered: indoor basketball and volleyball courts, outdoor and indoor pickleball courts, group fitness classes, professional trainers, cryotherapy, recovery services, saunas, a cafe and smoothie bar Classes: Pilates, yoga, Zumba, boxing, strength, cycling, cardio, resistance band training, battle ropes and senior classes Membership costs: $15 for day pass, $10 per class or $42.99/month • 386 S. Egret Bay Blvd., League City • courtsidefitness.com

Clear Lake

Webster

Fitness Connection Services offered: large gym, cardio and strength equipment, basketball court and a kids club Classes: yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval and strength training Membership costs: $14.99-24.99/month plus an annual fee of $59

Orangetheory Fitness Services offered: coach-led interval training using heart-rate monitoring Classes: one-hour group workouts Membership costs: $62-119/month depending on plan • 136 Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.orangetheory.com/en-us/locations/ webster-texas-0754

• 1455 FM 646 Road, Ste. 101, League City • www.exercisecoach.com/league-city

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

Patients seek alternative paths for chronic conditions From the cover

What you need to know

approach increased from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022, according to a 2022 National Health Interview Survey. In 2025, there were roughly 308,000 alternative medicine providers in the country, according to global research rm IBISWorld—a number that jumped more than 5% since 2020. Houston’s Bay Area saw a similar increase, with many businesses opening during that time frame.

35-minute drive every other month to receive care from Cho. “I travel to see her because seeing her is that important to me,” Garza said. Garza is one of many taking advantage of the growing alternative services available for chronic conditions. The percentage of U.S. adults who reported using at least one complementary health

When Manvel resident Danica Garza chose to undergo weight loss surgery in 2022, she said she knew the decision would have a major impact on her health—particularly her hormone levels. A friend of Garza’s recommended The Hive, a holistic wellness center in Clear Lake owned by Elyse Cho, a certied nurse midwife and one of three practitioners at the center. Three years later, Garza now makes the

Holistic and functional medicine business in the Houston Bay Area

The Hive- A Place for Wellness • 1001 Pineloch Drive, Ste. 800, Houston • Opened: 2022

Aspire Medical and Wellness PLLC • 913 Hardesty Ave., Ste. A, Seabrook • Opened: 2020

Clear Lake Integrative Medicine • 1335 Regents Park Drive, Ste. 110, Houston • Opened: 2020

SOURCE: GOOGLE MAPSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Miracles and Naturopathy • 1011 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. Spa, Webster • Opened: 2025

CLEAR LAKE

Clear Lake Integrative Medicine • 1335 Regents Park Drive, Ste. 110, Houston • Opened: 2020

GALVESTON BAY

146

Center for Collaborative Medicine • 1011 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. Spa, Webster • Opened: N/A

518

528

646 “We want patients to live better lives with less restriction … and be able to accomplish goals ... whether it’s just playing with their kids in their backyard or running the Houston Marathon.”

“[Miracles and Naturopathy] is more than just herbs and nutrition. This is about whole body, mind and spirit.” ELIZABETH MILES, NATUROPATHIC PRACTITIONER, MIRACLES AND NATUROPATHY

Mind and Body Solutions • 210 Genesis Blvd., Ste. C, Webster • Opened: 2020

EARL F. HENDRIKZ, D.C., FOUNDER OF CLEAR LAKE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

LEAGUE CITY PKWY.

Why it matters

help get to the root cause of patients’ ailments. “I’m never going to tell you I don’t have an answer, and I’m never going to say there’s nothing we can do, because there’s always something you can do, because there’s always a root cause,” Wilson said.

eventually required a pacemaker and her undergo- ing a full abdominal hysterectomy at age 31. These experiences led her to pursue a career in functional medicine and holistic wellness, she said. Wilson opened Aspire in 2020. By oering an approach that integrates both Western medicine and alternative medicine, Wilson said she’s able to

Nurse practitioner Amy Wilson, who is also the owner of Aspire Medical and Wellness in Seabrook, said she is no stranger to health complications. She said contracting Epstein-Barr virus set o a 20-year struggle with chronic fatigue. Within the rst year of her illness, she lost an ovary due to complications from ibuprofen use. This

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

What else?

By the numbers

In their own words

Earl F. Hendrikz, D.C., the founder and executive director of Clear Lake Integrative Medicine, said gaps in chronic care fuel patients to seek holistic or integrative care outside the limits of mainstream medicine. “A lot of patients don’t get presented with alternatives,” Hendrikz said. “They go to the MD, and he says, ‘Well, you can start injections, or you can have surgery, or you live with it.’” Hendrikz has an integrative practice in partnership with a nurse practitioner to provide “multidisciplinary care,” combining rehabilitation, manual therapy and stem cell injections. In Texas, for a person who is not a doctor to provide injectable medicine, they must be a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant who has been given prescriptive authority, said Texas Medical Board President Dr. Sherif Z. Zaafran.

CDC data shows women ages 18-44 report the highest rates of chronic fatigue, a symptom frequently linked to chronic health conditions.

“People are somewhat mistrustful of [standard medicine] ... and I think people are [trying] to nd their own ways of healing.” JENNIFER THORPEMCCOVERY, C.N.M., W.H.N.P., OWNER OF L’MAISON LUXE MED SPA AND WELLNESS

Ages

18-44 45-64 65+

Total

20% 25% 15% 10% 5%

0 Both sexes

Men

Women

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We don’t stop physicians from prescribing therapy that is not FDA-approved, but we do require … consent for what we call complementary and alternative

Galveston and Harris counties are faring slightly better than the average county in Texas for Population Health and Well-being, and slightly better than the average county in the nation.

therapy [to] be actually done so that a patient … is clear from a transparency standpoint.” DR. SHERIF Z. ZAAFRAN, TEXAS MEDICAL BOARD

Galveston County Harris County

Least healthy in US

Healthiest in US

State average

National average

SOURCE: COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

THE MOST

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY ROO MOODY

Delta Chiropractic and Wellness is based in the League City area.

Dr. Wilson and her sister, Hope, who is the oce manager.

PHOTOS BY ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

League City chiropractic clinic oers correctional care

immediately, but full correction may take 18–24 visits, she said. More details Wilson said muscular tightness is her patients’ most common issue, often from long periods at a computer. Raising monitors to eye level and holding phones up face level can help, she said. She encourages her patients to invest in pre- ventative maintenance, rather than just coming in when something hurts. “Even after my patients are done with their care plan and they feel great, we put them on a maintenance care plan where they come in once or twice a month to stay healthy,” Wilson said.

After her grandfather died from Parkinson’s disease in 2016, Faith Wilson studied to become a physical therapist. While shadowing a chiropractor, Wilson saw a Parkinson’s patient walk in with tremors and leave without them. “It shifted my whole viewpoint, and I was like, ‘this is what I want to do,’” Wilson said. In March, Wilson opened Delta Chiropractic and Wellness to oer chiropractic care for pain relief and spinal corrections. The approach On a patient’s rst visit, Wilson consults, performs an orthopedic and neurological exam and takes spinal X-rays. Pain relief can occur

Wilson’s clinic treats infants, toddlers and adults.

646

211 FM 646 Road, Ste. B, Dickinson www.deltachirotx.com

Your GOALS. Your FUTURE. POWERED BY

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

Achieve More

BAY AREA EDITION

Health & wellness

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas adds 9 potential dispensaries to medical cannabis program

Zooming out

Under House Bill 46, Texans can receive medical cannabis prescriptions for 15 types of conditions,

including: • Epilepsy • Seizures • Multiple sclerosis • Cancer • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Chronic pain • Crohn’s disease • Terminal illnesses

provide medical cannabis products. Under a recent state law, House Bill 46, Texas is on track to have 15 licensed medical cannabis dispensaries as soon as April. DPS issued nine conditional licenses Dec. 1 to companies that had previously applied to join the program and said it will select three first-time applicants by April 1. The new companies must pass a final “due diligence evaluation” from DPS before they can cultivate, manufacture, distribute or sell low-THC cannabis medications, according to a Dec. 1 news release. DPS said it will look into each company’s finances, litigation history and past disciplinary actions.

Nine new medical cannabis dispensaries could soon open in Texas, the Department of Public Safety announced Dec. 1. The nine companies, three of which currently operate in other states, were given conditional licenses after state lawmakers voted this spring to expand Texas’ Compassionate Use Program. Under the program, physicians prescribe medical- grade, low-THC products to eligible patients, who get the medications from licensed dispensaries. During this year’s legislative session, Community Impact reported that some Texans said the 10-year-old medical cannabis program did not help enough people, citing barriers to patient access and limits on the types of medication physicians could prescribe. Since the program’s inception in 2015, three dispensaries—Texas Original, Goodblend and Fluent—were licensed to Planned growth Nine medical cannabis providers are slated to open locations in Texas following state evaluations, joining three existing companies with dozens of locations statewide. Existing medical cannabis pickup locations Upcoming locations

Dispensaries can also create satellite locations to store products overnight, which advocates said will allow more accessible, same-day pickup of medications.

One more thing

Medical cannabis providers told Community Impact on Dec. 18 that they were preparing to offer inhaled medications in addition to edible, topical and tincture products. Texas Original CEO Nico Richardson said inhaled medical cannabis products take effect within minutes, while it can take 20-45 minutes for patients to feel the effects of other forms. “If they’re having some sort of episode of pain or … PTSD or epilepsy, through inhalation they’re able to treat it immediately instead of having to wait for the medicine to take effect,” Richardson said.

The proposed new dispensaries are:

• Verano Texas LLC in West Texas • Trulieve TX Inc. in the Panhandle • Texas Patient Access LLC in North Texas • Dilatso LLC in North Texas • Lonestar Compassionate Care Group LLC in North Texas • Lone Star Bioscience Inc. in South Central Texas

• PC TX OPCO LLC in Southeast Texas • Story of Texas LLC in Southeast Texas • Texa OP in the Rio Grande Valley

SOURCES: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TEXAS ORIGINAL, GOODBLEND AND FLUENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY CATHERINE WHITE & HALEY VELASCO

With a projected budget shortfall of $27 million, Clear Creek ISD is weighing multiple solutions to close the gap ahead of fiscal year 2026-27. Among the solutions under consideration are a potential voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, school consolidation, staff reductions and boundary changes. At its Dec. 16 work session, trustees said no single approach would close the anticipated shortfall. “Nothing’s off the table, and nothing fixes the problem. There’s not one solution,” trustee Jamieson MacKay said at the work session. The shortfall reflects a combination of declining enrollment, stagnant state funding and rising operating costs, district officials said. “Our state funding is tied to our student attendance, which ... [leads] to really tough choices that school districts have to deal with locally, even with state surpluses,” CCISD’s Chief Financial Officer Alice Benzaia said. Since Texas law caps how much school districts can increase their maintenance and operations tax rate without voter approval, districts turn to voters to try to increase that tax rate, which increases local revenue. Even if CCISD does go for a VATRE in the future, it may not be the only solution for the district, officials said. CCISD weighs multiple solutions for funding gap

Zooming in

Clear Creek ISD’s anticipated and projected budgets

Declining enrollment has left some campuses underused, raising per-student costs and prompting consolidation and boundary discussions. By the 2029-30 school year, CCISD’s enrollment is projected to dip by over 16% compared to the 2019-20 school year, data from the Texas Education Agency shows.

Revenue

Expenses

2025-26

$417.3M

$429.3M

2026-27

$404.6M

Enrollment through 2030

$422.3M

30K 0 35K 40K 45K

42,388

35,298

2027-28

$399.3M

-16.7%

$420.2M

2021- 22

2023- 24

2025- 26

2027- 28

2029- 30

2019- 20

2028-29

$394.5M

NOTE: 2026-27 AND BEYOND ARE PROJECTED.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$418.1M

2029-30

$388.6M

What to expect

$416M

NOTE: FY 2025-26 VALUES ARE ANTICIPATED. ALL OTHER FISCAL YEARS SHOWN ARE PROJECTED VALUES. SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CCISD will form a budget sprint team beginning in 2026. The team will work on an accelerated timeline, and will focus specifically on financial and operational recommendations through a review of demographic data, facility utilization and budget scenarios, Superintendent Karen Engle said at the work session. In the meantime, Engle said she will bring any potential recommendations to the district’s administration team to determine future options and next steps.

“If I add all the [funding] we can get from a [VATRE], plus all the staff cuts, plus all the schools we can consolidate, do we still get the $27 million? I don’t think we do. So that tells me nothing needs to stay off the table,” trustee Jeff Larson said at the work session.

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