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Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jeep Weekend: Increased law enforcement presence on Bolivar Peninsula
The Brief Jeep Weekend on the Bolivar Peninsula is experiencing increased law enforcement presence, with new restrictions and checkpoints implemented by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office to enhance safety. Attendees and local businesses have noticed the changes, with many supporting the measures for improved safety and reduced congestion. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is offering Uber rides to ensure safe transportation for those in need during the event. GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas - Jeep Weekend on the Bolivar Peninsula is seeing significant changes this year, with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office implementing new restrictions and checkpoints to enhance safety. What we know Crystal Beach is experiencing a heightened law enforcement presence, led by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, as Jeep Weekend kicks off. Friday evening saw rows of cars at a standstill as attendees made their way to the annual event. Sheriff Jimmy Fullen has introduced several measures to prevent past issues, including shootings and assaults. With over 520 officers from 16 agencies, 30 EMS units, air support via Life Flight, and checkpoints, Galveston County is fully prepared. What they're saying "In years past, it was a fiasco, as everybody knows. You had shootings, kidnappings, sexual assault. So we comprised a plan. A traffic plan on how to get in and off the beach," Fullen said. "You're not allowed to stop, stand, or park on the beach. Which we found in the years past when people were able to do that, they congregated. You got a gridlock on the beach. So when first responders had to respond to an emergency, they couldn't do it." Attendees have noticed the increased law enforcement presence. Erin Whistler, attending Jeep Weekend, said, "If it saves a person's life or keeps anybody from getting hurt, I suppose so." Tyler Whistler added, "We want to come out here and have a good time. That's it. We don't want no trouble. We don't want to see no trouble. Just have a great time. Act civil, act peaceful." Businesses are also feeling the effects of the changes. Kellie Smith, manager of Nutty Beaver Hut, commented, "It's for the safety of the employees, the safety of our customers. The highways tend to be overcrowded and just doesn't seem worth the business. People fighting to get here." Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of safety. Steven Woodard from Texas DPS stated, "We don't want anyone drinking and driving. We want you to wear your seatbelt because they truly do save lives. We want you to minimize those distractions in your vehicle. Don't drive on the shoulder. Be safe." The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is offering Uber rides for those who may need them. The Source FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with attendees at the Jeep Weekend and with the Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen, and Texas DPS trooper.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jeep weekend crackdown; Galveston County sheriff lays out new rules for rowdy event
The Brief New rules have been set for Jeep Weekend on Bolivar Peninsula In years past, the event has resulted in some violent incidents and arrests Attendees say they hope the event will be safe and fun for all involved The Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen lays out some new ground rules in a social media video for the Bolivar Peninsula's annual Jeep Weekend event. Jeep weekend is a loosely organized yearly event that takes place along Crystal beach. Barricade Go Topless Jeep Weekend is a worldwide annual tradition to celebrate the start of spring that's commemorated by events held all over the nation, according to their website. The Crystal Beach event will take place May 16th through the 19th, but officials say many attendees start showing up the Thursday before the event. Officials said last year they expected about 10 thousand attendees. The sheriff explained the following rules will be enforced this year: - No parking on the beach - No unloading trailers on beach- No golf carts, ATV's or dirt-bikes on the beach- No Mass gatherings -No glass containers / littering on the beach- Stay off the dunes - Speed limit is 15 mph on the beach-Animals must be on a leash -No bonfires He also outlined that traffic control will start on Friday, May 16th at 6 am and ends Monday May 19th at 12 am with public safety zones where there will be no stopping, standing or parking. The flow of traffic for the event will have participants enter the beach on Honeysuckle Dr. and exit the beach on Stingaree Dr. with a one-way flow of traffic eastbound down the beach. In years past, the Crystal Beach gathering has sparked controversy due to numerous arrests, shootings and even deaths. "The jeep community is peaceful," said Kendra Johnson. She's attended past events and plans to vend at this year's gathering. She explained that most attendees are there for a good time and do so legally while celebrating. But, she says, the crowd continues to grow, problems have too. "Most of the youngsters, they get belligerent, drunk, full of alcohol, they want to fight and argue among other people." In 2022, the Galveston County Sheriff reported 100 arrests during the event. In 2023, that number went up to 234 and last year they reported 300 arrests, along with two shootings - one deadly. "We've been here since 2005 so we've seen a lot of jeep weekends, and they've gotten worse," said another past attendee and local resident, Mary Maroski. "You need to follow our rules and you need to obey the law and if you choose not to do either one of those, we will find a place for you in the Galveston County jail," said Sheriff Fullen in the video. The Source Galveston County Sheriff's office, FOX26 past reporting
