From the Mayor’s desk – 4/24/26
Happy Friday!
A brief update from me on a few grant projects and then William to follow up with his complete update on everything going on this week (and next!).
The Groin & Beach Nourishment project broke ground in a sense as our Beach & Parks crew successfully moved the main beach entrance to curve around the east side of the large Surfside Beach sign. The new entrance road is temporary construction, intended to build up a natural road base on a sand mound, and it has some natural speed bumps built in. After construction is completed on the east groin this fall/winter, then we will come back and finish the main beach entrance in total, including the road surfacing. The new curved entry point onto the beach passing the east side of the Surfside Beach sign will remain.
Great news was received yesterday from FEMA & TDEM. We were awarded a Hazard Mitigation grant for $70,000 to purchase a new Generac diesel mobile generator for the Emergency Management command center, which is our PD/EMS building. It couldn’t be coming at a better time as the storm season is right around the corner. This was a very large expense that was going to happen in preparation for hurricane season, and the TDEM/FEMA grant saves the Village a lot of money. Really great news.
Don’t forget to be kind to one another and have a great weekend everyone. I hope to see you out there running around the island!
Zach
From the City Administrator’s Desk:
The busy summer season is right around the corner and staff is working hard behind the scenes to improve our infrastructure, prepare for upcoming events, and keep Surfside Beach beautiful. Here is a look at what is happening around the Village this week:
Beach Walkovers (W/ Wagon Ramps): We know how tough it can be to drag a beach wagon over the dunes. Our Building Official had a productive meeting with our engineers to rebuild the walkovers at Driftwood, Belanger, and Sand Piper. Within the project scope, he requested that the new designs feature built-in ramps to make beach access easier for families, as well as round pilings to cut down on sand scouring. We hope to kick off construction soon.
Seashell Water Line Project: The survey for the Seashell Project is complete, and we received notification that the Village meets the minimum parameters to qualify for the grant.
Street Repairs: Parks and Rec Director meet with a local vendor who will be providing the Village with samples of recycled, milled asphalt to test out for upcoming street and pothole repairs. If it proves successful, this will be a cost-effective alternative to street repairs.
City Hall: We officially closed on the property purchase next door to City Hall. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen as we look to the future.
Keeping Surfside Beach Beautiful: We are actively addressing a spike in illegal dumping on Crab Street and Canal Drive, as well as large quantities of trash being dumped in the roll-offs off Bay Street. We will be placing warning signage in these areas, and if the issue persists, we see how we can install cameras. Keeping Surfside beautiful is a team effort. If you see any suspicious dumping activity, please don't hesitate to call the Police Department.
Lifesaving Grants: Surfside PD was chosen as one of only 20 departments in Texas to receive a grant from the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). We will be receiving top-of-the-line first aid kits and tourniquets for every patrol car and side-by-side on the beach, at no cost to the Village.
Executive Training: Chief Hester was invited to attend a Leadership and Command class at the FBI Academy in Quantico, with all travel and housing funded by the FBI. Also, on Monday, April 27th, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service will be at Stahlman Park hosting a High-Risk Traffic Stop training course for our officers. If you see a heavy police presence there, don't worry, it is just our officers training to serve you better, again…. at zero cost to the city!
Surfside, Sunset , and Sound Event (May 1-2): Join us for a great weekend celebrating local history! Friday features a concert by "James Harvey and Friends" starting at 6:30 PM. Saturday starts at 3:00 PM with a live reenactment of the signing of the Treaties of Fort Velasco. (Note: They will be firing the historical cannon at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM on Saturday, so please plan accordingly!)
VFD BBQ Fundraiser (May 2): The Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 2nd. Come grab some great food and support our local first responders.
General Election (May 2): Don't forget to let your voice be heard at the polls!
Grand Opening (May TBD): The Village has officially issued their Certificate of Occupancy to the Salty Pelican, and the Tourism Director is working with the owners and the Brazoria Area Chamber of Commerce for a GRAND ribbon cutting ceremony. Keep a watch on our socials for the date and time. Let's give them a warm Surfside welcome!
Thank you for your continued support as we work to make Surfside Beach the best place to live, work, and visit.
Respectfully,
William