Latest news with #GeneralLandOffice
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Derelict, abandoned boats in Clear Lake causing environmental safety, economic concerns
The Brief A non-profit, called the "Dead Boats Society", is trying to get the derelict and abandoned boats out of the water in Clear Lake. Some of the boats are partially or totally sunken without lights, which is a serious risk for boaters. Russel Lavigne, CEO of Dead Boats Society, says there's at least 18 abandoned boats in Clear Lake alone, and there's possibly hundreds up and down the coast. CLEAR LAKE, Texas - Derelict and abandoned boats in Clear Lake are causing environmental safety and economic concerns. What they're saying Some of the boats are partially or totally sunken without lights, which is a serious risk for boaters. It's up to the States' General Land Office to get these boats out of the water, but that can take time. A non-profit, called the "Dead Boats Society", is trying to get the messes out of the water as quickly as possible. Russel Lavigne, CEO of Dead Boats Society, says there's at least 18 abandoned boats in Clear Lake alone, and there's possibly hundreds up and down the coast. Lavigne puts a lot of the blame on the economy and says he expects the problem to get worse. People are getting evicted from their boat slips and walk away from their boats. In some cases, the owners can be located. But if they are, most times they have no money, so going after them civilly becomes a losing game. The derelict and abandoned boats are an eyesore and can cause economic concerns for businesses offering a view of the lake. You can find more about the issue and how to donate by going to Dead Boats Society's Facebook page. The Source FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace spoke with Russel Lavigne, CEO of Dead Boats Society, about the issue.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed bill could eliminate Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, transfer duties
A Texas lawmaker has proposed a bill that would abolish the state's Parks and Wildlife Department. House Bill 4938, filed by Pat Curry (R-Waco), would assign the functions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to other state agencies. In addition to the TPWD's responsibilities, the General Land Office, Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Safety would also receive the department's funding. Current TPWD employees would also be transferred to these agencies. According to the bill, the duties of the TPWD would be distributed as follows: General Land Office: "regulation of parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, or other public land, including any bodies of water" Department of Agriculture: "native plants, wildlife, or the conservation or management of native plants or wildlife, including hunting and fishing" Department of Public Safety: "enforcement of this code, game wardens or water safety, including the operation of [most] vessels; equipment for vessels; and the identification, numbering and titling of vessels" If passed, the bill would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025. Click here to read the bill. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department could be abolished if bill passes
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beyonce's mother's beach house in Galveston being demolished
GALVESTON, Texas - After years of back and forth, a storm-damaged house that was formerly owned by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles, and Sand Crab Holdings is being demolished. What we know According to the City of Galveston, the home, which is located at 4229 Sand Crab Lane was foreclosed on and taken over by a lender in January. The house, which was originally damaged during Hurricane Ike, worsened with subsequent storms, officials said. The property had been the subject of code violations and citations over the years. Officials said the General Land Office was unsuccessful in its efforts to have the structure removed. Officials stated late last year, the city notified the owners that the city would seek demolition unless the issues were resolved with a deadline of April 30. After taking ownership of the structure in January, representatives for the bank began working with the city to receive the proper permits and move forward with the demolition. With the permits in place, officials said the demolition started on Tuesday and is expected to be completed by early next week. As of Wednesday, officials said the contractor had hauled off several truckloads of debris. The cost of destruction is being borne by the lender and no city dollars were required, officials said. Officials added the beach surrounding the area may be temporarily closed during the demolition. It is currently open and will remain accessible unless it becomes unsafe. The Source Information provided by the City of Galveston.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Buckingham excited for collaboration with Trump administration, Mexico on border control
AUSTIN (KXAN) — NewsNation, an affiliate of Nexstar, spoke with Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham on Tuesday about Texas' newest collaboration with the Trump administration on border control. On Monday, President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Mexico. This comes as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would reinforce the border with 10,000 members of Mexico's National Guard. 'This is a huge win not just for Texas, but for our entire country because Mexico is a critical partner. All those people who came out of the gate criticizing President Trump for the threat of tariffs, it's a negotiating tool,' Buckingham said. Buckingham said Mexican troops are a welcome help to border efforts in Texas. 'There are a lot of ways they can come together, but I think this is a vital step in getting complete operational control of our border. That we need so much for the prosperity and safety of our communities,' Buckingham said. In a visit to Fort Bliss on Monday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pledged 100% of operational control of the border. Buckingham broke down what that meant for Texas. 'We, the General Land Office, surround El Paso with land. So we have all kinds of opportunities to partner with the federal government, should they need additional detention centers,' Buckingham said. Buckingham said troops in Texas have now been trained to detain and arrest illegal immigrants. 'So now that we have everyone working together, we can work in concert. Sometimes there are certain things that Border Patrol has to do, and it takes them off the front line of the border, so now our [military department, Department of Public Safety, or local law enforcement] can step in,' Buckingham said. In a previous interview, Buckingham said Texas planned to utilize any means necessary to boost its partnership with the federal government to curb the illegal immigration crisis. She previously said Texas's General Land Office offered the Trump administration about 1,400 acres of land to help with mass deportations. 'I have 13 million acres across the state. So we have land almost everywhere. We've identified pieces that we think are more helpful out of the gate. But, of course, whatever it is they need,' Buckingham said. Buckingham also stated she was willing to help the government acquire any property it needed for mass deportations if necessary. 'We'll do whatever it takes. We're here to be a good partner again, just getting these violent criminals who've been hurting our sons and daughters off of our soil,' Buckingham said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
