Galveston’s spring break weekend is just getting started, and police are already on high alert.
GALVESTON, Texas — Spring break visitors flooded Galveston Island on Friday, prompting police to temporarily shut down several beach access points on the west end to manage surging crowds and traffic congestion.
By early afternoon, officers had closed multiple entry points to keep the situation under control and ensure emergency vehicles could still reach the area. The closures were lifted by late afternoon as crowds began to thin.
Galveston Chief of Police Doug Balli said law enforcement efforts stretched beyond the island itself.
“Actually policing the crowd before they ended up getting to Galveston. They recovered several firearms and made multiple arrests. And so I’m thankful, and I hope that their efforts prevented anything bad from happening here on the island today.”
Among the visitors were high school students celebrating senior skip day. Cam’ron Whitfield, who made the trip from Houston, said police were actively screening people at access points.
“Police were stopping people making sure like they didn’t have, like things they’re not supposed to have on them like, drugs, guns, knives.”
For Whitfield, the day was also about something bigger than the beach.
“It’s kind of like a tradition now. I’m like, I was going to just have fun and meet each other, meet new people.”
Not everyone was put off by the heightened police presence. Amaris Cortez, visiting from Seguin, said she welcomed it.
“It does make me feel safe because just seeing the protection of us and making sure that we’re all good and stay so we can have our own fun for spring break.”
Out-of-state visitors also made the trip to the island. Hillary Klein and Ronnie Trout traveled from Nebraska for what they called an early spring break with their kids. When asked what they liked most about Galveston, the answer came quickly.
“The views… and the food.”
With large crowds expected to continue through the weekend, officials are urging visitors to be patient with traffic and follow beach safety rules as spring break season gets fully underway.
The following access points were impacted by the closures:
#33 2nd St./Bay Harbor#34 Miramar#35 Half Moon Beach#36 Salt Cedar Avenue#37 Playa San Luis#38 Pointe San Luis#39 Pointe San Luis 2#40 Pointe San Luis 3#41 Pointe San Luis 4
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