Over three hundred Bolivar residents and property owners packed Crystal Beach Community Church on Monday evening to participate in a Town Hall Meeting organized to discuss issues relating to the recent ‘Jeep Weekend’ and explore ideas to prevent the illegal and destructive behavior during this out of control weekend. Over the last six years, statistics show an increase in criminal conduct and medical emergencies.

After opening comments by Pastor Kaye Sims and Pastor Valerie Hudson, moderator Jimmy Sims introduced the Panel: Gunner Newberry, Crystal Beach VFD Chief, Kate Newberry, President of Galveston County Emergency Services District #2, Sheriff Henry Trochesset, County Commissioners Joe Giusti and Darrell Apffel, Constable Derrick Rose, and Lee Crowder, County Road Administrator.

Audience members were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Panel and suggest possible solutions, including beach closure, one-way traffic routing, more arrests, business closures, and mass gathering laws.

The following summary is provided by Susan Shafer:

As a loyal follower of civic issues, here are my takeaways from tonight’s meeting. (Entirely my opinions.)

• I was greatly impressed that over 300 people showed up, and even more listened online. The crowd was well-informed, respectful and prepared. I was a little sad that elected officials on the panel responded to most suggestions with answers about what they CANNOT do. The savvy attendees already knew those things. They came with hope that our leaders would get creative and proactive and would bring solutions.
• There was overwhelming support and praise for our law enforcement officers and first responders. I hope they felt it.
• The BIG takeaway? We are being told their hands are tied because we are not a city and cannot make ordinances like Galveston or Surfside.
• My takeaway? There are county and state ordinances that can be applied. Noise, obscenity, etc. The county can enact safety measures. No sobriety testing allowed? License plate checks, unsafe driving, the use or perceived use of drug dogs, etc. There are many safety laws addressing the occupancy of buildings. What about public spaces? Does the Open Beaches statute allow public spaces to be overcrowded to the point of no exit or access for emergency responders?
• Will it require money? The county commissioners repeatedly said they are responsible for budgeting and money and that they have never denied resources for this event.
• The people who asked questions offered solutions and had information to back up their ideas. Not one person went off the rails, though the crowd made it clear when they felt some elected officials needed to stop talking.
• Thankful to everybody who made this happen and I am looking forward to the next steps. Pretty sure it will be our residents who turn the tide on this. I think it is also important for our elected officials to remember that the people causing this havoc are not their constituents and don’t vote for them.
• Mostly, I am filled with gratitude to be part of this community.

[Jun-11-2024]