Recovering from Ike

Refer your contractors or company!!!

melissacon — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:56:17 GMT

Have you had a good experience with a contractor? Or have a company that does work in the Galveston Area?

If you specialize, or had a good experience, in any of the following areas, please send me the/your contact information!

*Decking *Fencing *Tile *Beams *Framer *Concrete *Demolition *Handyman *Paint *Drywall *Siding *Roofing *Electrician *HVAC (Air Conditioning) *Cabinetry *Re-Model *Cleaning Crew *Other

I would love to hear the experience you have had with a company, or learn about your personal company!

Update on Downtown

mojo boogie — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:18:45 GMT

I will try to keep folks as up to date as possible on downtown openings-as I find out!Stork Club is open, and has been since BEFORE the island was "opened". They are also serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a cash only business as they have no landline to process plastic.

Bob's grocery and booze has been opened for awhile. they do take plastic.

Connolly's Corner is open, also on cash basis (no landline for plastic) Live music tonite! Band sounded great!!

Remodeling The Island - Slow but Positive Results

UpTwoBucks — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:10:12 GMT

My family has been in the home remodeling business on the island since hurricane Carla in the 60's. Ths Island always bounces back, no matter what happens. We've seen distruction many times throughout the years. The problem with rebuilding the island this time is that funding has been slowed by the recession. It is effecting everyone, not just Galveston. We have worked hurricanes along the coast such as Katrina, Ivan, Dennis and now Ike. To bad Ike hit during a recession. Just hang in there, this Island will come back to it's normal state soon.

Never Give Up, just give!

Uptwobucks
http://www.buildorrepair.com

Trees

69 Chevy — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:37:01 GMT

This goes out to all the Islanders that got surged.

How are your trees doing?

I have 3 Oaks, 1 huge Pecan, 2 Pines, 1 Crepe Myrtle, 1 Tulip Tree, a couple junk trees(Sap Berries or something), Sega Palm, and a bunch of Oleanders. With the exception of the Pines that I was planning to cut down, and the palm none have shown any signs of life. I have a friend that is an Arborist that went down to Galveston today and he said he thinks I will lose everything but the pines and the palm. He is not the kind of person that wants to cut everything down. He has done work for me before and we have argued because he wouldn’t trim my trees as much as I wanted. He advised me to sit tight for a month or so. He also predicted that most of the trees on Broadway and along the streets in the East End won’t be coming back. He said “I hope I am wrong, but……………….”

Is anyone seeing signs of life?

Anybody Need Construction work done on their house?

alwayshar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:26:25 GMT

Galveston Residents,
I wanted to post an ad here for my father. I know that Galveston houses still need painting and remodeling done after Hurricane Ike. If you or you know someone in Galveston that needs painting or remodeling done on their house. My father will be glad to give a good price on construction work for the house.
He does all kind of construction including Painting, Ceramic Tile, Roofing, Demolition, Sheetrock and plenty more. He currently in need of more construction jobs. So if you have any questions feel free to email me and I will give you more information on how to reach him. Thank you and I hope to hear from some of you.

Please contact me at:

Company name: Paintin' and Remodelin' Construction
Email: alwayshar@yahoo.com

New Galveston Sculpture

Coastal Dreams — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:48:09 GMT

Not sure G.com will let me post a link here, but I'll try. This is the coolest thing, and I hope people participate and use it as a place of healing.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6995892

Ok, guess you have to do the legwork and copy and paste it.

I'll take door number 3

Island Cat — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:49:29 GMT

I understand for every door that is closed another one is to open. Hey!! I am still waiting for my door. I lost my house and in need of another place to lay my head with my bassets.

Anyone out there willing to sell a Rent-To-Own?

off Island is OK

not too far from UTMB. I have lived an hour away from work and as long as it's county living ,it's worth the drive/gas.

a yard for the pups

low down payment

needs work ?? that's OK too. But I would need to have the normal utilies lights, water, gas ect.. ok to be turned on soonest.

More than one bedroom , please

Great news about Murdoch's

shawi — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:41:07 GMT

Looks like they are coming back!

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=c7c478b7e2ab94fc

Dellanera RV Park

TBS — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:41:08 GMT

I was wondering what the status of the Dellanera RV Park was? I know it took substantial damage from Hurricane Ike and subsequent damage from vandals, but have not heard any updates. It has been a family tradition for the last 6 years to camp at the park over the 4^th of July Holidays. We have not been to Galveston since Hurricane Ike and are honestly missing it a lot. I was wondering what the current status of the park repairs were? Are there plans for the park to re-open? Is there an anticipated date it will be open?

Thanks

Protecting a Business during a Flood

timothymyoung — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:21:05 GMT

A proposal entitled “Protecting a Business during a Flood”, has been developed that may be of interest to the businesses that are located within areas that are susceptible to flooding; such an area would include Galveston. Including the title page, the table of contents and the cover letter, this proposal is approximately 18 pages.

The purpose of this proposal is to describe a structure that is to be placed at a business, which has a history of flooding; such flooding could be the result of a riverine flood, an estuarine flood or a coastal flood. This structure is to be used by the business prior to an event that might cause flooding (e.g. the failure of flood protection device, snowmelt or a storm surge).

The proposed structure is to serve as a source of protection for businesses, which are not limited to, building supply facilities that have outside material storage, automobile dealers and oil/fuel storage facilities that are in flood prone areas.

Please review the following webpage to learn more about obtaining this proposal:

http://www.webcosmo.com/listing/details.aspx?gId=1&dId=12&countryId=1&stateId=185&cityId=2166&postId=320309

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Young

Email: timothymyoung@hotmail.com

recovery and con artists

lighthousemom — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:43:21 GMT

I signed up with
a remodeling contractor based in Webster ,Tx and the guy they sent used them as a front and ran off with my first release of insurance money, in Dec, has been giving me excuses ever since , still no work done on my small cottage, i'm furious and have filed charges. Has any one out there had this happen to them?

Excellent house help/remodeling

Island Cat — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:47:06 GMT

I have heard of some major horror stories about shoddy work, or no-shows by work men/women since Ike.

so I would like to indroduce the world to my " househubby" His name is Robert Contreras. He has been helping me around my house for 12 years. I have never once had a problem with his work. In fact everything..and that's been a lot of the years..has been finished, cleaned-up and done way above my expectations.

If you need anything from yard work to roofing, sheetrock, fence, painting ect...My friends Robert is your man

Contreras Remodeling

"A little bit of everything"

1827 Ave M GALVESTON ( local)

409-771-3800

Island Re-Openings

Dixie — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:11:44 GMT

I kind of thought maybe we should start a thread for all the joints coming back to life!!!

Ocean Star Oil Rig Museum is open , from what i hear..

also

The Salvation Army on 24th and Broadway was open this morning , I scored some neato things for super cheap.

Schlitterbahn will be open in like 2 weeks , Old dawg , it will be covered and heated..... 80 degrees in and out of the water..... care to join me ?

lighthouse mom, do it yourself info

lighthousemom — Sat, 09 May 2009 23:01:36 GMT

we have waited 6 months and still no work on our cottage. We are thinking of going to home depot and hiring some day laborers to help us do the demoliton work ie: rip out the sheetrock, pull out the lower kitchen and bath cabinets, and take the washer,dryer and a very heavy large stainless steel stove out and cut a tree away leaning on the house. has anyone out there done this or let me know what you think

Slow Recovery

69 Chevy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:29:53 GMT

Has anyone settled their Ike related claim yet? I mean actually received the money? I got an advance to hold me over until my adjustor completed all the paperwork, but the check was made out to me and the mortgage company. The mortgage company won’t release the funds until my adjustor completes all the paperwork. The only things fixed on my house are what I have done myself or paid for out of my own pocket.

Operation Photo Rescue May 1 thru May 3

Margie Hayes — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:16:58 GMT

Hi Everyone,

We are happy to announce that Operation Photo Rescue (OPR) will be in Galveston on Friday May 1 thru Sunday May 3, to help families with damaged photos from Hurricane Ike. We will be there during the Galveston home tour and will be stationed at the Michel B Menard House. Here is a link to our blog with the press release that tells times and more about what we do: http://www.operationphotorescue.org/2009/04/opr-headed-to-galveston/

We will do a digital photo copy of the damaged photos and that copy will be uploaded to our website for volunteers to restore. The original photo will stay with the family. Once all of the family’s photos (limit of 20) have been restored; they will be printed and sent home free of charge.

OPR would like to thank Brian Davis, Director of Preservation & Conservation Services/Galveston Historical Foundation, for his assistance and allowing us to stay at the beautiful Menard House.

We look forward to our trip and if you know anyone who has damaged photos from Hurricane Ike, please spread the word about our service.

Margie Hayes

President of Operation Photo Rescue

mhayes@operationphotorescue.org

Volunteer for Beach Cleanup April 25th on Bolivar Peninsula

crystalfront40 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:14:25 GMT

The 23rd annual Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup will be April 25th on the Bolivar Peninsula.

The Texas General Land Office's Adopt-A-Beach Program, the Bush Clinton Coastal Recovery Fund and the Points of Light Institute have joined forces to bring national attention to the Bolivar Peninsula.

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, former President George H.W. Bush will be in attendance and will lead the clean-up effort. "Join us for a great time and a good cause, keeping Texas beaches beautiful," said Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.

“We encourage every able and willing citizen to join this wonderful effort on April 25th to help our fellow Texans recover and rebuild,” President Bush said

For the first time ever, Adopt-A-Beach volunteers will clean more than just beaches in Bolivar, but will cleanup streets and right-of-ways, too.

"It is vital we continue to focus attention on the Bolivar Peninsula, which is still struggling more than six months after Ike," Patterson said. "This effort will draw national attention to Bolivar and bring many hands to help."

Volunteers can register at any of the 10 check-in sites beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 25th. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.

Texans who are not able to attend the cleanup can help keep their beaches clean by making a tax-deductible donation online at www.texasadoptabeach.org. Also, those who want to help Bolivar but cannot participate in the cleanup may make a donation on-line to the Bush Clinton Coastal Fund by visiting their website at www.BushClintonCoastalFund.org.

Texas beaches receive large amounts of marine debris due to a convergence of currents in the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1986, more than 375,000 Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up more than 7,100 tons of this debris along the Texas coast. Volunteers record data on the trash to learn more about the causes of marine debris and to help mitigate pollution along Texas' 367 miles of coastline.

Flag ship hotel

smith629 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:38:47 GMT

I saw a picture of the Flagship hotel and it dosnt look like they have done anything to restore it? Is it damaged so bad that its not restoreable? The fishing pier looks just as bad as the day after. Are there any fishing piers any where on the island? did the pier at san luis pass make it? Randy Wallace

Gravity Bar

Lynn — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:23:46 GMT

Is the Gravity bar or Michels on the strand back open? We are going to be in Galveston in a couple of weeks and wanted to stop in for a drink.

fishing

mommy2lisa — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:07:27 GMT

is there places to go fishing at?..

Blue Water Highway

venko — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:21:14 GMT

My family and I will be attending a wedding in the Danbury area next weekend and I was wondering if the Blue Water Highway is open? We wanted to visit Galveston while in the area and hopefully spread some economic stimulus among the island Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Ryson Real Estate and Vacation Rentals to re-open next week

sellinggalveston.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:42:50 GMT

We will be opening in our same location (2115 61st st), but we have moved to a larger space to help better serve our clients. We will have about 3,000 sqft and new everything! We will be haveing a grand re-opening Feb 27 2009. I will post more details as I have it but I would like to invite everyone out! Can I count on you Jim and Lee?

carriage house

arkie — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:43:55 GMT

my wife and i were living at the carriage house apartments when ike hit. we loved it there we had a pool right in front of our apt. we were a couple blocks from the seawall and just a few blocks from the harbor. we felt we were living in paradise. as soon as the mayor issued the mandatory evacuation we left to ride the hurricane out at my wifes parents house in houston. when it was evident after ike hit that we would not be able to return to the island for awhile we went to stay at a fema motel in rockport. after 2-weeks we got the call from our fema inspactor that we needed to meet him in galveston. so we used the last of our money to drive back to galveston to meet with fema. when we got back to the carriage house apartments the first thing we noticed was that there was an eviction notice on everybodies door that stated that we were supposed to have our belongings out of the apt. 2-days befor we returned due to the hurricane. our door was wide open and much to our surprise there was absolutely no damage. but the owners showed up to let us know that we had to get our stuff out by that night. and in the meantime people working for the owners were moving peoples furniture out onto the street or into into trucks. we were some of the first residents to return to carriage house. peoples furniture was being trashed before they returned to their apt. fema showed up shortly and.he witnessed the owner telling me i had just a few hours to move my stuff out before it was trashed. we were stuck cause we had no way to move our stuff cause we had no truck and no money and of course there was nowhere on the island to stay.so we went to houston and waited for our settlement from fema. fema decided to send us a check for us to relocate on in the sum of 1700 dollars which got lost in the mail and we have yet to receive. we got turned down for damages so we appealed at the advice of the fema inspector then after a month went by fema sent a thousand dollar check to pay our rent which we was able to track down. shortly thereafter we decided to relocate to arkansas where im from. we stayed in a fema hotel about a month until we was able to find an apt. so as it is fema is paying our rent until may but they rejected our appeal for damages so we lost everything we had not to ike but to the owners of carriage house who trahed our stuff when we werent able to move it immediately. and top it all off just 2 weeks ago we had to endure the ice storm here in arkansas which left us without power for a week in freezing temperatures but are alive and well and right now i do miss living in galveston oh yeah we still havent gotten that first check fema issued...

Beach restoration

ashleyc — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:36:01 GMT

Good morning guys!

We are planning on coming up next weekend and I was wondering from those that live on the island if they are bringing the sand in on weekends too? I am so excited about coming to the island again and bringing our little girl!

Thanks!

Ashley

Recovery Options

69 Chevy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:01:25 GMT

The GCDN ran two opinion articles over the weekend on ideas to help with the city's recovery. Of course one offered only one solution and that was gambling.

The second article featured a number of ideas that have proven successful in other cities. Gambling was one. Golfing was another. We are on an island with limited space so a golfing destination could only work here if it included the mainland. I am not a golfer and have no idea how many courses are in the county. I do know that that our temperate spring, winter, and fall climate could help offset the heat and humidity of summer. When I take a winter vacation I always drive or shuttle, sometimes an hour or more to different ski resorts. I would think the same would apply to someone on a golf vacation. So that could work here. Option three was a Key West styled resort. Key West has Hemingway, but we have Jean Lafitte. That could be a tough sell due to our close proximity to New Orleans, but it is worth a thought. One option I have never considered was Branson styled entertainment. I have never been there, but I have been to shows in a lot of other cities. When I go to a show I always include dinner before and usually a night cap afterwards. Look at how alive Post Office Street is when there is a show at the Opera House. Casinos on the other hand lure you in and keep you there until your money is gone. So why not give these and other ideas some thought? The pro gambling group which appears to include the editor of the GCDN are always asking “What other options are there?”, but when options are suggested they are never debated nor receive the press that gambling does. Entertainment geared toward families would benefit our existing attractions like Moody Gardens, the water park, and help spread tourist dollars around the city rather then into the pockets of a few?

Galveston Police Storm San Luis, Beat Wedding Guests

Cheetah — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:55:47 GMT

After midnight on October 4th, the Galveston Police Department stormed a wedding party occuring at the H20 pool bar at the San Luis. The crowd was pushed, thrown to the ground, beaten, tasered, peper sprayed and arrested.

The father of the bride was tasered. The brother of the bride was beaten and had to be life-flighted to Memorial Herman hospital. Astro's pitcher, Brandon Backe was beaten and arrested.

Below is a letter from a local citizen and business owner who witnessed the event. His letter describes the event and his feelings.

+++++++++

Elected Officials,

On Saturday October 4th – 5th (sometime after midnight) an altercation at H2O Bar at The San Luis Resort occurred. This altercation lead to police back up being requested and shortly thereafter what I would consider a riot, lead by GPD. The following will account what I witnessed, was appalled by, and what should result in immediate terminations.

The following incident could have been easily avoided by simply enforcing the current City Ordinance of a Midnight – 5 am curfew. This curfew is followed by ALL businesses and residents with the EXCEPTION of H2O Bar at The San Luis Resort.

An altercation of some sort began at H2O and ended as total chaos. Police units arrived in droves, police trampled over furniture, pushed patrons and innocent bystanders to the side, yelled and cursed, forced a crowd in many directions all of which lead to no where resulting in innocent persons being grabbed, pushed, thrown to the ground, handcuffed, kicked, punched, arrested, and one being life flighted to Memorial Herman Hospital. I witnessed on 2 occasions persons being told what to do, and obeying what they were told; one resulting in a tasing and the other being thrown against a wall then ground, handcuffed, punched in the face and kicked as he lay helpless on the ground. Bruises show clearly how he was punched directly in the face as I witnessed it done by an On Duty Police Officer.

The Mission of the Galveston Police Department speaks of integrity, fairness and professionalism. The situation lacked organization, instilled fear and intimidation in people and resulted in numerous arrests that lacked merit. Had I been so unlucky to be one of the persons in the wrong place at the wrong time this evening and was subjected to what these individuals were subjected to, I ensure you, my legal team would file suit.

This sort of law less-ness is unacceptable. After what I witnessed this evening, I have lost respect and faith in my Police Department. As a business owner, I regret the next time the need to dial 911 if there is an incident on my properties for fear of innocent guests being subject to the wrath of an unregulated police department. A Police Department should be respected, not feared. This lack of leadership, poor judgment, and intimidation tactics have tarnished the name of GPD and I am humiliated as a citizen to see my tax dollars paying the salaries of persons who act like no more than thugs with a badge to do so.

What began as a beautiful wedding at the Seawall Convention Center ended with the brother of the bride air lifted to the hospital, the father of the bride tased, and numerous members of the wedding party being arrested. One arrested, then beaten, then issued a warrant for resisting arrest. Is this the best Galveston can do? Is this the manner of law in which we live? With a police department like this, why have one?

I look forward to an immediate investigation and explanation.

++++++++++

If you have an opinion on this matter, you can contact city officials at:

City of Galveston (409) 797-3500

City Manager: (409) 797-3520

Police: (409) 765-3702

Email address are:

Mayor

lydaannthomas@aol.com

City Manger

leblancSte@cityofgalveston.org

Council

tarriswoods@cityofgalveston.org

lindacolbert@cityofgalveston.org

elizabethbeeton@cityofgalveston.org

susanfennewald@cityofgalveston.org

karenmahoney@cityofgalveston.org

County Judge

james.yarbrough@co.galveston.tx.us

IKE VICTIMS

melissacon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:19:01 GMT

ATTENTION

IKE VICTIMS!

Is your insurance company denying your Ike claim, or not

fully compensating you for your damages?

DON’T PAY ATTORNEY’S FEES OR PUBLIC ADJUSTOR’S FEES!

CALL:

J.B. CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPMENT, LLC

Office: (281) 221-6066

We work commercial residential properties.

We are staffed with construction experts.

We will re-estimate & work with your insurance company

to ensure you receive the Maximum Recoverable Amount

from your insurance company needed for repairs.

You just sit back & relax while we work for you!

Pelican Structural Homes

Wally E — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:07:15 GMT

Hello to All,

My name is Wally. I would like to announce that we have expanded our crew and staff and we are now serving GALVESTON COUNTY.

We Offer full Insurance assistance with your home. Full Flood Recovery process and restoration. New Home Construction/ additions

*****Insurance Mitigation

***** Roofing ** WP-8 Certificate

***** Restoration/ Flood Recovery

Licensed & Insured Bonded Registered In Galveston to Houston

Now Serving Crystal Beach !

Call Us Today for a Free Estimate ...... (832)632-7959

Traffic light controls?

TexasJeep — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:15:28 GMT

Any idea when the city of Galveston plans to fix these? I know there was a lot of damage and problems, but it has been over 5 months. I would think traffice light controls and traffic signs would be a priority.

61st street fishing pier

Dixie — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:39:05 GMT

JR was telling me something about them rebuilding the pier. said she read it in the gal daily news... anyone know where this story is?