Monday, October 26, 2026
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Families across Brazoria County have several opportunities to celebrate Halloween this week, with trunk-or-treat events planned in Angleton, Brazoria, Clute, Lake Jackson and Pearland.
After 10 years working as a waitress, Crystal Pina opened Mama C in downtown Freeport, bringing family-prepared American comfort food to a neighborhood she believes is ready for a comeback.
The Freeport Library is now accepting Christmas toy donations for GCT Gives Back, becoming the first active collection location. Mama C and On The River are also confirmed, with their collection boxes expected soon.
With 2026 property tax bills arriving, Brazoria County homeowners have several deadlines to keep in mind, including a Nov. 30 split-payment option and opportunities to lower their taxable home values through exemptions.
Gulf Coast Times will begin collecting Christmas gifts Nov. 2 for children across Brazoria County. Two Freeport businesses have already agreed to host donation boxes as GCT prepares to help approximately 40 to 50 children this holiday season.
Freeport's Fright Night returns Thursday, October 22, bringing a Halloween celebration to Municipal Park and RiverPlace. Here's what Brazoria County families should know before heading out.
Early voting begins October 19 in Brazoria County ahead of the November 3 general election. Here's what residents need to know about voting locations, hours, identification requirements and important deadlines.
From haunted coastal history in Freeport to bird banding in Lake Jackson, a police K-9 demonstration in Sweeny and a planetarium show in Clute, Brazoria County residents have several activities to choose from Saturday, October 17.
Gulf Coast Times is inviting Brazoria County residents to show off their Halloween costumes in a free community contest featuring categories for children, teens, adults, couples, families and pets. Winners will receive special recognition, with a Peoples' Choice Award decided by community voting.
The body of a 16-year-old La Marque boy who disappeared while swimming at Surfside Beach was recovered Sunday afternoon after a two-day search. Surfside Beach Police Chief Philip Hester told Gulf Coast Times that 4- to 6-foot swells were present when the teen entered the water.
A recovery effort is underway after a 16-year-old La Marque boy disappeared while swimming at Surfside Beach Friday afternoon. Multiple agencies joined the search after the teen was reported in distress near the main beach entrance.
Wilson’s Phalaropes are passing through Texas during fall migration, using an unusual spinning behavior to stir up aquatic invertebrates for food. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory explains what makes these shorebirds so unique.
Each fall, thousands of hawks, falcons, kites, eagles and vultures funnel along the Texas coast during migration. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is marking 30 years of raptor counting at its Smith Point Hawk Watch station.
Millions of birds may be passing over the Gulf Coast this fall as migration reaches full swing. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory explains why artificial light can disrupt nighttime migration and what residents can do to help protect traveling birds.
A late-August house fire on West 8th Street in Freeport destroyed one home and spread to two nearby structures. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Freeport officials are considering a lower property tax rate for 2026, but the city’s own estimates show the average homestead could still see a higher city tax bill as property values rise.
Lake Jackson officials considered adding another $150,000 to the Recreation Center locker room renovation, pushing project funding to $900,000 after an earlier $700,000 estimate.
A Flood Watch is in effect across Brazoria County as Tropical Depression Five approaches the Upper Texas Coast, bringing the potential for heavy rain and localized flooding Tuesday into Wednesday.
Spring and fall bird migrations may look similar from the ground, but the journeys are very different. From risky nonstop flights across the Gulf to slower fall routes, migrating birds face very different challenges depending on the season.
Public records obtained by Gulf Coast Times reveal how Lake Jackson and Pearland police use Flock license-plate cameras, what the systems cost, how widely the data is shared and what safeguards are supposed to prevent mistakes and misuse.
Fire crews responded to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Clute Monday afternoon after smoke was reportedly seen coming from the store. The cause has not yet been confirmed.
Caribbean Monk Seals once ranged through the Gulf of Mexico and were even documented along the Texas coast before hunting and human pressure drove the species to extinction.
North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, a dramatic decline researchers say reflects broader threats to biodiversity, habitat and ecosystem health.
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is celebrating 30 years of its Smith Point Hawk Watch, where observers track thousands of migrating raptors each fall from the Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area in Anahuac.
Former Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit has been indicted and arrested on a first-degree felony charge in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson.
Southern Brazoria County residents selected Jared Morris as the Gulf Coast Times People’s Choice Community Spotlight winner, praising his recovery outreach, disaster response, local business leadership and willingness to help people in need.
Brazosport ISD is preparing to launch its new Virtual High School for students in grades 9-12, offering both fully online and hybrid options as the new school year begins.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend is underway through Sunday, giving Brazoria County families a chance to save on qualifying clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies.
Lake Jackson City Council will discuss the proposed FY 2026–27 budget and tax rate Monday. Depending on the rate ultimately adopted, the average city homestead tax bill could rise by approximately $29 to $116.
Texas once supported wolves, grizzly bears, jaguars and other large predators that have since disappeared from the state. GCBO Nature Notes explores what happened to them and the conservation work still underway.
Every student at every Brazosport ISD campus will be able to receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026–27 school year, with no household meal application required.
The West Columbia Library is offering free summer programs for children of all ages, including weekly storytime, a field day and a Big Blue Blocks event, while also encouraging families to help the library system reach its 10 million minutes read goal.
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to weaken before reaching Southeast Texas, but Brazoria County’s coastal communities could still experience scattered storms, gusty winds, elevated seas and dangerous rip currents later this week.
Public records detail messages between former Sweeny ISD employee Benard “Nardo” Flores and a man Sweeny Police Chief Brad Caudle described as a homicide suspect. Caudle said the contact gave the suspect advance warning and was reckless, but likely did not meet the requirements for a criminal charge against Flores.
A community appeal says 13 families, including nine children, were displaced following a fire at 132 Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson.
Former Sweeny Fire Chief Timothy Dale Webb Sr. will remain in custody after a Brazoria County judge denied bond on two counts and set a combined $450,000 bond on four others.
A two-vehicle crash temporarily blocked Avenue A in Freeport and left a 19-year-old man with injuries that were not considered serious.
Gulf Coast Times is locally owned, independently operated and built around one mission: providing Brazoria County with accurate, accessible and community-focused news without outside editorial control.
Hundreds gathered at Clute Park on Sunday for a community benefit supporting Skarlett Patton’s family, featuring auctions, music, food, vendors and family activities.
A large community benefit honoring Skarlett and supporting her family will be held Sunday, July 12, at Clute Park. The event will feature food, auctions, a car show, vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment and more.
Community support is already helping Gulf Coast Times upgrade equipment, continue local coverage, and build toward a stronger local news resource for Brazoria County.
On The River Restaurant in Freeport marked a new chapter July 9 with a ribbon cutting for “The Boardwalk,” a rebuilt private-event space damaged during Hurricane Beryl.
Brazoria County residents dealing with heavy mosquito activity can request spraying online through the county’s Mosquito Control District.
Site sponsors help Gulf Coast Times cover the real costs of local journalism, from website hosting and public records requests to travel, equipment and expanded coverage across Brazoria County.
Angleton Parks & Recreation’s Silver Hearts program is heading into July with a packed lineup for local seniors, including bingo, chair volleyball, Lunch and Learn programs, potlucks, day trips, fitness activities and free ice cream events.
Feeding Hearts Inc. continues its Sunday meal service at Freeport Municipal Park, where trays of food disappeared within minutes as residents picked up meals for themselves and others in need.
Several Brazoria County communities are preparing Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks displays, family activities, live music and local events heading into Independence Day.
An Angleton man is being held in the Brazoria County Jail without bond after authorities say he was indicted on 18 felony counts involving alleged sexual offenses against children.
From fireworks in Angleton and a ZZ Top tribute concert in Lake Jackson to farmers markets, car meets, karaoke, art camp and beachside music, Brazoria County has several events lined up.
Brazoria County libraries and the Brazoria County Dream Center are serving as cooling centers as high temperatures and humidity continue across the area.
A new bill filed by U.S. Rep. Randy Weber would create the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, including portions of Brazoria County. Supporters say the plan would expand recreation, tourism, conservation and public access while keeping local control and voluntary participation in place.
Brazosport ISD’s Meals on the Move program is serving free breakfast and lunch to children and teens 18 and under at multiple locations through July 2.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration covering Brazoria County and 100 other Texas counties as severe storms, heavy rainfall and flooding continue to threaten communities across the state. Texas emergency operations have moved to around-the-clock response as officials urge residents to prepare and avoid flooded roads.
About 100 people marched from Angleton City Hall to the Brazoria County Courthouse on June 14 in support of John Mendoza Jr., calling for transparency, the release of body camera footage and answers in the ongoing Texas Rangers investigation.
Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced that Deputy Kevin Tippit has been fired following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson. The firing marks a major development in a case that continues to draw calls for transparency, video release and answers from the community.
Attorney Charles Adams, representing John Mendoza Sr. and the estate of John Mendoza Jr., provided Gulf Coast Times with a statement calling for the release of body camera footage, dash camera footage, audio recordings and charges against the deputy involved in the fatal shooting.
A peaceful march for John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. is planned for June 14 in Angleton, with organizers saying the event will begin at City Hall and continue to the courthouse in support of his family.
Four officers were injured Thursday after a fire call at a multi-residential unit in Freeport led to a struggle with a man wanted on outstanding warrants, police said.
Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman issued a public statement following an officer-involved shooting that left a young man dead, saying the Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney’s Office are conducting an independent investigation.
The Freeport Historical Museum’s Shark Exhibit is open through Aug. 1, giving local families a free summer activity with shark jaws, life-sized models and ocean life displays.
Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon to a reported fire call at the Dollar General on North Brazosport Boulevard in Freeport, but no visible smoke, flames, or major damage were seen at the scene.
The family of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. is demanding answers after the 18-year-old Texas State student was fatally shot by a Brazoria County deputy following a pursuit in Lake Jackson.
An 18-year-old Texas State University student died after being shot by a Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy following a pursuit that ended at a Lake Jackson home early Monday morning, officials said.
The family of 11-year-old Joshua Lahai has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and burial expenses after he drowned during a beach trip at Surfside Beach.
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Angleton is bringing live music back downtown with free community concerts aimed at supporting local restaurants, businesses and family-friendly nightlife.
A Houston man was taken into custody after authorities said he led deputies on a pursuit through Lake Jackson neighborhoods before running from a vehicle at Bess Brannen Elementary School.
The body of Joshua Lahai was recovered Tuesday afternoon near Surfside Beach after he disappeared in the Gulf during a Memorial Day weekend beach outing.
Recovery efforts continued Monday at Surfside Beach for Joshua Lahai, a Richmond child who disappeared after going underwater while swimming offshore Sunday evening.
A large search continued into Sunday night near Surfside Beach after a 10-year-old boy from Richmond disappeared during an end-of-season beach outing with his youth football team.
A family fun-style benefit for Skarlett Patton is planned for Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Clute Municipal Park, with hundreds of people already responding to the public event.
Strong storms moved across Southeast Texas Saturday, bringing lightning, heavy rain, reported damage in Lake Jackson and a waterspout spotted off the Galveston coast.
CenterPoint Energy says crews are preparing for more storms across the Greater Houston area after severe weather knocked out power to roughly 133,000 customers earlier this week.
West Nile virus was recently detected in mosquito traps in Sweeny and Manvel, prompting additional spraying and renewed warnings for Brazoria County residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
A proposed AI data center and power plant project near Sweeny is raising questions in Brazoria County over water use, noise, property values, jobs and how much control local officials have after commissioners rejected a step tied to tax incentives.
The Memorial Day Madness mud drag racing event scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Brazoria has been canceled due to weather concerns. Officials have not announced a rescheduled date.
Steven Alvarez, a 22-year-old Clute man and Brazosport ISD employee, has been identified as the victim in a fatal Tesla crash at Clute Municipal Park. Investigators say the vehicle went airborne before crashing into the pool complex and catching fire.
As hurricane season approaches the Gulf Coast, emergency officials warn that cell service may fail during major storms. Here’s why NOAA weather radios, GMRS radios, and ham radios could become critical communication tools when power and internet outages strike.
A 22-year-old Clute man died after a Tesla crashed into the former pool complex at Clute Municipal Park and caught fire Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
A strong thunderstorm near Freeport is moving east and could bring wind gusts up to 50 mph to parts of southeastern Brazoria County, including Freeport, Clute and Surfside Beach.
Brazoria County residents could see several rounds of rain and thunderstorms this week, with forecasters warning of possible heavy downpours, street flooding and dangerous beach conditions.
James Elmore, a suspect tied to the decades-old Texas Killing Fields investigation, is facing two new felony charges after authorities searched his Bacliff property.
Skarlett Patton, an 11-year-old Clute Intermediate student, died Thursday morning after a crash near the school parking lot, according to police and local reports.
Gulf Coast Times is collecting working devices, storage drives, books and school supplies to help create offline learning kits for students, families, classrooms and community programs.
Nina’s Nuggets in West Columbia is building a local following with freeze-dried candy, nostalgic treats and viral snack challenges while giving families a fun place to stop.
Brazoria County residents have several local events to choose from this week, including library programs, ribbon cuttings, city meetings, an auto and bike show, bird banding and community workshops.
With Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1, Brazoria County residents are encouraged to review evacuation zones, prepare emergency supplies and make family plans before storms enter the Gulf.
Downtown Freeport has empty buildings, visible challenges and a complicated history, but its waterfront location, historic character and redevelopment plans show there is still potential worth paying attention to.
Reader tips help local news sites find community stories, public concerns, events, small business updates and issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Families across the Brazoria County area will have several ways to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, including markets, brunches, a wellness walk, a church breakfast and family art events.
Brazoria Central Appraisal District is accepting applications for residents interested in serving on the Appraisal Review Board for the 2026–2027 term.
Gulf Coast Times is inviting locally owned businesses across Brazoria County to share their stories for future business spotlight features.
Two former Sweeny Fire and Rescue chiefs, a father and son, are facing serious child sex-crime charges, while another former volunteer firefighter has also been charged in a related investigation.
Sweeny Pride Day brought a steady crowd to Backyard Park on Saturday, with vendors, food, crafts, small businesses, a cookoff and a parade creating a family-friendly community event.
Brazoria County Mud Drags will host Memorial Day Madness on May 23, bringing truck racing, deep mud competition and family-friendly motorsports to the area.
The Brazoria County Historical Museum will host its free Cowboy Up! event Saturday in Angleton, giving families a chance to experience cowboy culture through demonstrations, children’s activities and local history.
Surfside Beach residents and visitors will have a busy Saturday with general elections, a Volunteer Fire Department BBQ fundraiser, and a Treaty of Velasco re-enactment planned throughout the day.
Gulf Coast Times welcomes local news tips, community events, announcements, photos, business updates, sports highlights, and story ideas from residents across Brazoria County.
Gulf Coast Times is a new local news source focused on Brazoria County, built to inform, connect, and spotlight the people, places, businesses, events, and stories that matter to our community.
Gulf Coast Times is inviting aspiring journalists, students, community members, event reporters, opinion writers, sports writers, and other local voices to apply as volunteer contributors as the publication begins building local coverage across Brazoria County.
Families, alumni, and district staff came together in reflection as the AISD Memorial Garden grew once again—preserving the names and memories of students and educators who are still deeply missed.
Sweeny Pride Day 2026 will take place May 1–2 in Sweeny, featuring a weekend of community events including a parade, cookoff competition, vendor market, fireworks, and a full lineup of family activities and local participation.
Angleton ISD trustees approved more than $1.17 million in technology and safety-related upgrades, including new Chromebooks for Angleton High School and an intercom system upgrade at Angleton Junior High.
RiverFest is back in Freeport this weekend, bringing live entertainment, food, vendors and family-friendly fun to Freeport Municipal Park on Friday and Saturday.