Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach closed through Apr. 17 starting Friday

Published 11:42 am Thursday, April 9, 2020

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Special to the Leader

Galveston County announced late Wednesday that it will close nearly 30 miles of beaches on Bolivar Peninsula, including Crystal Beach, to residents and visitors.

It’s a move aimed to keep large crowds off beaches Easter weekend as COVID-19 cases continue increasing across Southeast Texas.

The order closing the beaches begins Friday, Apr.10  and will remain in place until at least April 17.

“Beaches in Galveston County are closed and must be vacated, all beach access points in Galveston County shall be closed, and ingress to beaches in prohibited,” the order by Galveston County Judge Mark Henry read.

The Texas General Land Office will not allow the beach to remain open to residents only. As a public beach, it must be closed to all.

People who refuse to leave the beach could be arrested and face a $500 fine, according to the order.

The closure of Bolivar Peninsula beaches comes nearly two weeks after Galveston closed its beaches due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.