Monday, October 26, 2026
Community Gulf Coast Times is looking for volunteer writers and contributors.
News Tips Have a local story, event, or concern? Send us a news tip.
Support Become a founding supporter and help independent local news grow.
Free Account Sign up to comment, bookmark stories, and follow local updates
Local
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.
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.
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.
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 two-vehicle crash temporarily blocked Avenue A in Freeport and left a 19-year-old man with injuries that were not considered serious.
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.
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.
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.
Angleton is bringing live music back downtown with free community concerts aimed at supporting local restaurants, businesses and family-friendly nightlife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brazoria Central Appraisal District is accepting applications for residents interested in serving on the Appraisal Review Board for the 2026–2027 term.
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.