The Local

theLOCAL Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine ,1$8*85$/ ,668( Ř &203/,0(17$5<

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JULY 2015

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JULY 2015

contents

12

J U LY 2 0 1 5

NEVER QUIT a true act of dedication graces our peninsula

in every issue

10 fishing for science

4

editor’s note

CCA Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department need your help in collecting data from their $3.7MM reef restoration project in East Bay.

8

beach vibes

Written by Cody Martin

9

by the sea

18 local business 22 sea & be seen

20 local grub

24 events & directory

Our savory Red, White and Blue Cheese Burger will leave you hungry for more! Give this festive recipe a try at your next cookout.

theLOCAL Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine EDITOR Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Cody Martin and Melanie Wallace PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Bill Rodney and Cody Bess Photography

For advertising inquiries, call 817-505-8208 or email info@thebolivarlocal.com The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group. All rights reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts presented by authors and advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.

JULY 2015

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editor’s note

TO SAY THAT I was raised as a nomad would be an understatement. In my lifetime, I’ve moved fifteen times and have had the privilege of living in five different states. But who’s counting? Based on my experience, places and faces are ever changing.

Yet one thing remains constant, and that is, I feel most at home at the beach. From a young age, my parents passed down their love of the ocean to me.

My fondest memories trickle back to lazy days spent in the surf and sun, treasure hunting along the shoreline with my mom and fishing with my dad. Now with a child of our own, my husband and I hope to instill in our son our shared passion for the salt water that we always say is in our veins.

It’s true the 27-mile stretch of peninsula holds a special place in my heart. I’ve visited beautiful beaches from Hawaii to Antigua, but I’m drawn to the familiarity of this coast and the laid-back lifestyle of its locals like the returning tides.

Welcome to the first issue of The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Community Magazine. The aim of the publication is to represent the local people and businesses that are dedicated to the growth of the area, as well as highlight to visitors the vibrant

In this issue, you’ll learn about how a local custom home builder made a generous donation to a national Foundation and is now calling on the community to support our veterans (page 12).

Plus, CCA Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department need your help in collecting data from their $3.7MM reef restoration project in East Bay (page 10), and try our festive take on an American classic - Red, White and Blue Cheese Burgers (page 20). Wishing you all a safe and fun-filled July!

culture of our coastal community. We might be well known for birding, but there is much more to offer: family-friendly festivals and events throughout the year, sport and recreational fishing, good food, live entertainment, and a booming real estate market. We’ll talk about it all, and hope to give our readers the local scoop.

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#keepitlocal

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2275 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

409-684-8001

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theLOCAL

Bolivar Peninsula's Community Magazine

JULY 2015

theLOCAL

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beach vibes

4 1 Pali Jesus Sandals

S’well Bottle

Made of stainless steel, these chic bottles will keep your beverages cold for 24 hours, perfect for a day spent on the beach.

The large option (25oz) holds an entire bottle of wine. Swellbottle.com, $25-$45

Made of soft rubber, these waterproof slip-on sandals will make you feel like you’re walking on water.

Maven's Clothing & Tanning Salon, $19

Sunny Straw Hat

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

2

5

Smells like coconuts and gives your hair an effortless tousled matte finish. Ulta.com, $6

6 Smith’s Rosebud Salve

3 Lavo Acid Washed Flap Shorts

Super cute and super comfy, these shorts are perfect for throwing over your bathing suit. The BIG Store, $14

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JULY 2015

A must-have lip balm that’s ultra moisturizing without feeling sticky.

Sephora.com, $6

Hand-stitched remnants of vintage Mexican dresses make these hats one-of-a-kind.

Call (409) 656-4683 to order, $45-$60

by the sea

Written by MELANIE WALLACE, ED.D. Melanie Wallace has been an early childhood educator for over 40 years. Her dad was a boat salesman, so she claims to have grown up on the water. After years of vacationing here, love of the Gulf Coast brought Melanie and husband Mack to Crystal Beach full-time in 2004. These days, she’s spending a lot of time in Fort Worth with their four grandsons.

My all-time favorite Broadway show is South Pacific.

I love it when Bloody Mary sashays on to the stage and belts out,

You’ve got to have a dream.

If you don’t have a dream...how you gonna have a dream come true?

Years of commuting, struggling to put three kids through college, and living on the fast track had taken its toll. We were exhausted and burned out and cranky. One day, a few months before we would turn fifty, Mack came home from work to FROM THE TIME I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, I dreamed of

announce that his company was closing down his division. I was

living at the beach. The happiest days of my life were spent on the

disillusioned with university life and was ready for a change. So,

Texas Gulf Coast. Memories of waking up, sunburned and gritty,

just as simply as that, we sold our house in the suburbs, drove to

rocking with the memory of the waves I’d played in all of the

Crystal Beach the next Saturday morning, and bought our very

daylight hours the day before, take me back to the rickety, un-air

own sea foam green beach house. We never looked back.

conditioned beach cabin my family rented every summer. Memories of jumping the waves with my cousins, skipping out of the water

Our days at the beach are filled with swims in the Gulf, hours

to escape the pinchers of the crabs, and floating for hours on the

of rocking and reading on the deck, and friends more dear than

smooth surface of the early morning water still make me smile.

we could have imagined. Life on the beach is slower and deeper

Strolls along the beach provided my first glimpses of God, letting

and more joyful than life elsewhere. Little did we know that the

me know, at the tender age of 7, that there was a God and He

dream of a cabin of our own, near the sea, would turn out to be

definitely lived at the beach!

such a blessing.

I grew up and married a man who loved the sea as much as I, and we made sure that our boys loved it, too. For years, we vacationed at the beach, dreaming of the unlikely day that we might have our own “sea foam green” beach house.

If you don’t have a dream… how you gonna have a dream come true?

JULY 2015

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fishing for

SCIENCE written by CODY MARTIN photographs by BILL RODNEY

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The TPWD and CCA Texas are currently searching for volunteers to help with post construction fishing surveys in an effort to gain an understanding of the benefits of oyster reef restoration up and down the Texas coast. Data gathered so far has been encouraging and if this pattern persists, it will support the TPWD in its efforts to secure more restoration money. This is a great opportunity to get out on the water and participate in the oyster reef restoration project.

Oyster reefs play a very important role in the ecosystem.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the TPWD and CCA Texas, locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the great fishing East Bay and the Bolivar Peninsula have to offer for years to come. For more information or questions on how you can contribute and fishing guidelines for the surveys, you may contact John Blaha

H

URRICANE IKE made landfall on the Upper Texas

with CCA Texas at 713-626-4222 or jdblaha@ccatexas.org

coast on September 13, 2008. Along with 80% of the

or Bill Rodney with TPWD at 281-534-0127 or bill.rodney@

homes on the Bolivar Peninsula being destroyed,

tpwd.texas.gov. To join CCA, please visit www.joincca.org

damage to the natural resources found in our bay system was just as catastrophic. Up to 12 foot high tidal surges filled East Bay, littering the bay system with debris and sediment. Data gathered after the storm by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) revealed that around 2,000 acres of the ecologically important oyster reefs in East Bay were either damaged or

4

destroyed during the storm due to sediment deposition.

5 6

Oyster reefs play a very important role in the ecosystem. Oysters feed by filtering tiny plants known as phytoplankton from the

2

water, filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day per oyster, vastly improving the overall water quality and clarity. Oyster reefs also

1

8 7

3

provide essential habitat for reef dwelling fish and invertebrates,

9

which in turn attract larger game fish thus establishing a food chain which benefits recreational and commercial fishermen.

In late 2010, the TPWD and CCA Texas, in a joint effort, began to raise money for reef restoration across East Bay. Together, they secured a $3.2MM grant and CCA Texas provided an

LOCATION

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

1

-94.7216

29.4848

-94°43.296

29°29.088

2

-94.7144

29.4904

-94°42.864

29°29.424

3

-94.7069

29.4826

-94°42.414

29°28.956

4

-94.674

29.5109

-94°40.440

29°30.653

additional $500M to help restore 180 acres of oyster reef, which

5

-94.663

29.51079

-94°39.782

29°30.647

was completed in August 2014. The work restored 80 acres at

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-94.6708

29.50451

-94°40.250

29°30.270

Hannah’s; 70 acres at Pepper Grove; 15 acres at Middle Reef and

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-94.6728

29.4854

-94°40.368

29°29.124

10 acres at CCA Middle Reef. (See inset for coordinates to the

8

-94.6656

29.49278

-94°39.938

29°29.566

9

-94.6606

29.49095

-94°39.634

29°29.456

reef restoration)

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NEVER QUIT A TRUE ACT OF DEDICATION GRACES THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA

BY DESTINY MARTIN 12 |

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JULY 2015

In ho no r o f the de dica t e d m e n a n d w om e n w h o s e r ve ou r c ou n t r y to pro te ct o ur f re e do ms. Th a n k you . Be c a u s e of you r e f f or t s a n d s a c r ifice, Ame r ica still sta nds a s t h e g re a t e s t c ou n t r y. God b l e s s ou r ve t e ra n s .

JULY 2015

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I WILL NEVER QUIT. I PERSEVERE AND THRIVE ON ADVERSITY. MY NATION EXPECTS ME TO BE PHYSICALLY HARDER AND MENTALLY STRONGER THAN MY ENEMIES. IF KNOCKED DOWN, I WILL GET BACK UP, EVERY TIME. I WILL DRAW ON EVERY REMAINING OUNCE OF STRENGTH TO PROTECT MY TEAMMATES AND TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION. I AM NEVER OUT OF THE FIGHT. THIS IS THE CREED of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Bold words that Marcus Luttrell and his military brothers live by and were called to fulfill one fateful day in June 2005. Luttrell and three other highly committed SEALs were assigned to a mission known as Operation Red Wings, to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader in the treacherous Afghan mountains. During their mission, the team’s location was compromised and the four outnumbered SEAL members faced ambush. The relentless battle ensued for hours, claiming the lives of three of the four SEALs. Badly injured from several brutal blows including a bullet wound to one leg, shrapnel embedded in both legs, a torn rotator cuff, facial trauma, and three cracked vertebrae, Marcus managed to

horror of war. Nearly forty percent of surviving veterans will be

evade the enemy and crawl seven miles to refuge. He was the only

diagnosed with some form of combat-related invisible wound

survivor.

such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, minor Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, and chronic pain.

Dedicated acts of bravery and true courage such as this stitch together the fabric of what it means to be an American Hero.

In 2010, Marcus Luttrell established the Lone Survivor Foundation

Our troops vehemently fight the evil of the world to protect our

in honor of his fallen comrades. Understanding whole-heartedly

nation’s freedoms. Since October 2001, the U.S. has seen an

what is needed to provide healing beyond standard government

emergence of 1.9 million veterans, all who are willing to sacrifice

programs, Luttrell’s organization aims to restore, empower, and

their lives in order to secure our homeland from the on-going

renew hope for our wounded service members and their families

threat of terrorism. Sadly, many of our service men and women

through health, wellness and therapeutic support. By conducting

who return home have succumb to physically debilitating injuries,

retreats throughout the year at scenic facilities, the Foundation

as well as suffer deep emotional scars caused by the rigors and

allows ample opportunity for the healing effect of nature and

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JULY 2015

relaxation. The retreats provide support through psycho educational groups, Equine Assisted Learning (incorporating horses as part of experimental therapy for mental and behavioral issues), as well as individual sessions focused on reducing traumatic stress and pain.

A CALL TO PATRIOTISM

build the organization’s first Foundation-owned retreat facility at

In 2011, brothers Brian and Clint Byrom of Brint Construction, a

Crystal Beach. Through numerous conversations and meetings,

locally owned and operated custom home builder, participated in

Brint Construction and the Lone Survivor Foundation arrived

a fund raising golf tournament where they were first introduced to

at a design and location that would meet the needs of wounded

Marcus Luttrell and the efforts of the Lone Survivor Foundation.

veterans, their families and the Foundation’s support staff. The

Clint recalls that their involvement in this very event “sparked a

only remaining detail was implementation of the Equine Assisted

fire in them to find a way to help those who do so much for our

Learning portion of the program. When Louis Bennett—owner

country.”

of Crystal Corral in Crystal Beach—learned of the need, he generously offered the Foundation to utilize his horse boarding

The Byrom brothers, along with their parents Tim and Susan, saw

facility for retreats free of charge. The Crystal Corral also had an

an opportunity to honor veterans and contribute something to the

EAL Certified Therapist already on staff and eager to commit to

Foundation that would have a lasting impact for years to come.

the program. The LSF Board of Directors approved the proposal

Shortly thereafter, the family approached the LSF with an offer to

in October 2013 and construction began just six months later.

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On April 26, 2014, Clint Byrom and Marcus Luttrell walked across an empty lot in Crystal Beach to fire up the backhoe at the groundbreaking ceremony. Through the unrelenting willingness and dedication of the Byrom family and hundreds of volunteers, many who worked from sun up to sun down, the facility was erected in less than one year. Situated on a private one-acre lot donated by the Byrom family and Carl’s Jr., the 5,000 square foot structure is comprised of two buildings, a veteran house and a conference center that also serves as housing for the retreats’ support staff.

GOD AND COUNTRY The facility’s architectural design posed quite a challenge to Brian Byrom, Brint Construction’s General Manager and Designer. His vision was for the building itself to “reflect a feeling of patriotism.”

Brian’s solution: he designed the staff house in the shape of the Navy Cross and the veteran house in a pentagon, together representing God and County. Directly in the center of the pentagon house, key members who facilitated construction buried personal mementos in its foundation’s slab.

The staff house is designed in the shape of the Navy Cross and the veteran house in a pentagon, together representing God and County.

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The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facility can comfortably accommodate eight service members, six couples, or four families per retreat, plus about ten staff members. Last year the Foundation held 14 all-expense paid retreats at rented and donated facilities across the country, serving 110 vets and their families. With the addition of the Crystal Beach facility, the Foundation’s goal is to host 17 retreats in 2015, six of which will be held here. The Foundation has a long-term goal of hosting 23 annual retreats at Crystal Beach in years to come, which will significantly

Terry Jung, Executive Director, on behalf of the Lone Survivor Foundation thanks

increase the number of lives impacted by the

“the Byrom Family, all of the individuals and companies who contributed to the

program.

facility, and the Bolivar community for their dedication, hard work, and support on this project.” Adds Clint Byrom, “Bolivar has stepped up in major ways to support,

NEVER QUIT

not only the building of the retreat facility, but the Lone Survivor Foundation as a

The Byrom family, impressed by a vision to

whole.”

salute and aid our vets, faithfully called on countless others in our community to rally

As a community, Bolivar Peninsula now plays a vital role in honoring our veterans.

together for a worthy cause. With the generous

By attending and supporting annual local events like Texas Frog Fest and Freedom

support of local businesses and craftsmen,

Fest, we can directly impact funds raised for the Foundation. Let’s never forget their

nearly 70% of supplies, labor and materials,

sacrifice and pledge to accomplish the mission set forth.

and furnishings for the new facility were donated. The remaining 30% of costs have

To learn more about the Lone Survivor Foundation or how to donate, please visit

been met through fundraising events.

lonesurvivorfoundation.org.

JULY 2015

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local business

Aged to Perfection IT’S BEEN SAID THAT, “a company that doesn’t have a history may not have a future,” but that mantra doesn’t apply to Swede’s Real Estate, the oldest real estate company on the peninsula.

This year marks Swede’s sixtieth year in business.

The LOCAL caught up with owner Anne Willis, to celebrate the brokerage’s milestone and learn more about the culture of Swede's.

Over the past sixty years, how has Swede’s improved as a company?

Anne: Well, we certainly have transitioned into the computer era and have adjusted to our customer’s needs. We have changed into a 7 day a week company for the entire year. The original Swede only opened for six months a year.

Well known for your customer service, how does Swede’s foster long-term relationships with their clients?

Anne: We are very proud of our 18 |

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Swede’s Real Estate celebrated their 60th anniversary along with the community on June 6. Bolivar Chamber of Commerce President, Bob Morgan, kicked off the festivities with a ribbon cutting, which was followed by music entertainment from local band 3-Way Switch. Attendees feasted on a delicious spread of Mexican food catered by Jose’s Cantina.

long time customers, and love to hear the stories from our customers who tell us they remember coming to Swede’s with their grandparents.

We have a family named Walla who has rented from Swede’s for 43 consecutive years and counting. I was delighted to give that family a gift card at the Big Store to celebrate their 40th year.

How has the local real estate market changed post-Ike? Anne: A lot of the small houses and “fishing village” atmosphere is gone, but we are headed for a bigger and better Bolivar Peninsula.

What are your goals for the Swede’s in years to come?

Anne: Our goal is to keep abreast with modern technology while at the same time offering a “family like” service to our customers.

Most local businesses are successful during the peak season, but many face a loss in

winter months. As a company that’s not only sustained, but also thrived during the past sixty years, what advice do you have for the area’s new entrepreneurs?

Anne: I have never been afraid to work 7 days a week, and it takes that in business. We have a short winter where there are fewer customers and businesses open. You learn to survive the slower months and plan ahead for the busier months surely coming ahead. We take our summer reservations in the winter to get people ready for summer. We want our customers to always be thinking about a vacation at the beach.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about the beach?

Anne: There is nothing like walking on the beach and getting sand between your toes, wear shorts 7 days a week and watch the sunsets over the bay.

local grub

RED, WHITE & BLUE CHEESE BURGERS WITH SRIRACHA MAYO :LWK VXPPHU LQ IXOO VZLQJ ´UH XS WKH SLW DQG JLYH WKHVH ÂľDYRUIXO EXUJHUV D WU\ WARNING: the Sriracha infused mayo packs some heat, so keep a cold Stout beerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which pairs perfectly with blue cheeseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;within arms reach.

ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp worcestershire freshly ground black pepper to taste blue cheese crumbles 1/2 cup mayonnaise Sriracha Chili Sauce to taste 1/2 purple onion, sliced 2 tbsp butter 1/4 cup brown sugar

directions

In a large bowl combine ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, worcestershire, and black pepper with your hands and form into two (yes, two!) large patties. Place mayonnaise in a separate bowl and add a few dashes of Sriracha. Stir well and taste. Cook patties on grill or skillet over medium low heat. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sautĂŠ purple onion in butter.

Add brown sugar and continue sautĂŠing to caramelize. Flip the patties and cook for 5 more minutes. Garnish burgers with blue cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, and lettuce of your choice. Top with a generous dollop of Sriracha mayo.

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advertisement

Green, thick and abundant lawns serve as a great backdrop for all types of outdoor activities here at the beach. To help keep your lawn looking lush, here are ďŹ ve tips that will help you maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn all year long.

no.1 1/3 rule Strive to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade when mowing. Lawns cut too low look burnt and have a difficult time gaining thickness.

no.2 Cut as high as acceptable Long blades lead to deep roots. Deeper rooted lawns are more drought resistant and ďŹ ght off pests and disease.

NO.3 SHARP MOWER BLADES Cleaner cuts are provided by razor sharp mower blades.

Lawns cut by sharp blades recover much faster than lawns shredded by dull blades.

no.4 apply fertilizer Call today for your free estimate

409-540-2846 Keeping your grass greener.

Four feeds a year is a good rule of thumb and can dramatically improve the overall health of your lawn. Weed and feed in late February and early October. Apply 13-13-13 fertilizer in early May and late June.

NO.5 DEEP WATERING When watering use longer run times on sprinklers with fewer days scheduled. It is better to water 3 days a week with 10-15 minutes of sprinkler time than it is to water 7 days a week with 5 minutes of sprinkler time.

JULY 2015

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sea

be seen

Share your LOCAL scene.

Send in photos of your favorite places, people and past times on the peninsula and your image could be featured in an upcoming issue of our magazine. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal.com. Please include your name, contact info and the title of the image. #keepitlocal

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sea & be seen

JULY 2015

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BOLIVAR PENINSULA

events & directory

JULY EVENTS JULY 3 & 4 Crystal Beach Freedom Fest 1609 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650 facebook.com/crystalbeachfreedomfest JULY 4 Declaration of Independence reading on the beach in front of Ramada Beach subdivision, 10 AM JULY 25 Galveston Bay Foundation’s Ladies Casting for Conservation 3rd Annual Fishing Tournament galvbay.org

COMING UP AUGUST 1 Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club Golf Cart Poker Run bplions.org/poker-run-2015

PLACES TO EAT Dannay’s Donuts 2124 Hwy 87 @ Alberdie Crystal Beach (409) 684-7003 Down Under 1295 N. Stingaree Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-2731 Gulfway Motel & Grill 1365 Hwy 124, High Island (409) 286-2125 Hard Heads 1035 Hwy 87 @ Jacks Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1177 Jose’s Cantina 1698 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-1180 La Playita Mexican Restaurant 703 Madison Port Bolivar (409) 684-1383 Ocean Grille in Crystal Beach Plaza 2275 Hwy 87, Suite 15 409-684-0011 Steve’s Landing 1290 Bay Vue Dr. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1999 Stingaree Restaurant 1295 N. Stingaree Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-2731 Tiki Beach Bar and Grill 1369 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach (409) 684-9594

PLACES TO STAY cabins/vacation homes All I Need 987 Biscayne, Ramada Beach Subdivision. Sleeps 4-6. (409) 782-4965 Sands of Time 988 Hamilton Dr. Crystal Beach Sleeps 10. (409) 960-9151

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to advertise in our directory, email info@thebolivarlocal.com

bed & breakfast Out By The Sea 2134 Vista Dr. Crystal Beach (409) 684-1555

hotels/motels Gulfway Motel & Grill 1365 Hwy 124, High Island (409) 286-2125 Crystal Palace 1600 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-6554

rv parks Beachside RV & Storage 1280 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 996-3288 or (409) 684-7008 Bolivar Peninsula RV Park 1685 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-0939 Crystal Beach Palms RV Park 1755 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 466-1228 or (409) 466-1262 JT's RV Park - Beachside 992 Salaparuta Gilchrist (409) 553-4608 Lazy D&D RV Resort 681 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 684-1900 Paula's Vineyard RV Resort 1250 N. Crystal Beach Rd. Crystal Beach (409) 684-9970

THINGS TO DO Fort Travis Seashore Park, Port Bolivar Playground, cooking facilities and picnic areas Fun Spot Waterslide 2061 Hwy 87 (409) 684-2384 I Love Nails 2275 Hwy 87, Ste. 9 (409) 684-9095

SHOPPING Home By The Sea Decor (409) 684-9550 Latitude 29.2 Surf Shop Open 7 days a week 9am - 6pm (409) 684-0594 Maven's Boutique & Tanning Salon 2275 Hwy 87, Ste. 16 (409) 684-1094 2nd Going 1050 Bay Vue Dr. WednesdaySaturday 9am - 3pm The BIG Store 2385 Hwy 87 Open 7 days a week 7am - 9pm Tropical Accents 2950 Hwy 87 WednesdaySaturday 10:30am - 5pm, Sunday noon - 4pm (409) 684-0009

GOLF CART RENTAL Golf Car Connection 1746 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach (409) 963-7725

CHURCHES First Baptist Church of Port Bolivar 523 Nelson Street, Port Bolivar (409) 684-8976. Sunday school 10am Service Times: Sundays 11am & 6pm, Wednesdays 7pm First Baptist Church of Crystal Beach 1260 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 409-684-4413. Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 10:30am First Baptist Church of High Island 1368 Weeks Avenue, High Island Sunday School 9:30am Service Times: Sundays 10:30am & 6pm, Wednesdays 7pm Our Lady By The Sea Catholic Center 2400 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach Sunday Mass 8am holyfamilygb.com Crystal Beach Community Church 1020 Diamond Road, Crystal Beach Sunday Service 10:30am Thursday Bible Study 6:30pm crystalbeachcommunitychurch.org Bolivar Peninsula Church of Christ Hwy 87 at Tidelands, Crystal Beach 409-782-2305 Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Worship 10am Port Bolivar United Methodist Church 12th at Madison, Port Bolivar 409-684-7510 Sunday Worship 2pm Bay Vue United Methodist Church 1411 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 409-684-6678 Sunday Worship 9am Sunday School 10:30am St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 1308 Weeks Avenue, High Island 409-286-5164 Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 11am Lighthouse Apostolic Fellowship 343 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach 832-318-2364 Sunday School 10am, Sunday Evening 6pm Tuesday Bible Study 7pm

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