Discover Galveston's Stories

Galveston’s debate over the “no-new-revenue” tax rate isn’t about saving pennies—it’s about protecting people. For less than $75 a year, the city can fund firefighters, police, drainage, and storm reserves. Without it, essential services erode and just 28.57% of council can block the majority.

Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp N Stuff. Fewer know his decades of civic service—on the Planning Commission, with the early Galveston County Food Bank, and in countless acts of quiet generosity. In this 38-minute conversation with The 1839, Jeff shares what drives him: family legacy, community gratitude, and a belief that Galveston’s future depends on balance—between growth and preservation, business and responsibility.

When you think about the person steering Galveston’s day-to-day operations and planning for its future, you might picture closed-door meetings and stacks of policy reports. But in this unfiltered conversation, City Manager Brian Maxwell opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading the island, his vision for the next decade, the reality of drainage issues, and the community projects that make Galveston unique—including the beloved Turtles About Town. Along the way, he proves that even serious civic leadership can come with a laugh or two.

Galveston Isn't waiting for the Future - We're Building It. Galveston just notched two of the most significant maritime wins in the nation: the Coast Guard’s next-generation icebreaker program and the Navy’s Flight III destroyer modules. What began as a hopeful spark...

This isn’t a postcard. It’s just a personal take on a place I’ve spent my life coming back to.

Galveston is complicated, beautiful, stubborn, and full of soul. In this piece, I’m sharing a few of the reasons why my wife Christy and I believe in this island—and why we built The 1839 to tell its stories the way they deserve to be told.

Written By: David Landriault, Co-Founder of 1839

In the May 3, 2025, election, Galveston County voters approved nearly $110 million for roads and flood control but rejected a proposal for government facility upgrades. Proposition A, which allocated $74.1 million for roads and bridges, and Proposition C, which earmarked $36 million for flood control, were both approved. However, Proposition B, which proposed $75.8 million for government facility improvements, was narrowly defeated. This reflects a preference for investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness over administrative expansion.

Written By: David Landriault

In Part 3 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown. He shares how Galveston can grow smarter: tackling traffic with new flyovers, reimagining parks and greenways, and shaping a port that serves both business and community.

A monthly podcast hosted by David Landriault and David Finklea—two longtime civics voices with deep roots in Galveston’s business, political, and cultural life. Each episode offers a sharp, honest, and often surprising look at the people, policies, and power dynamics...

(Born On the Island — and born to survive) A vivid exploration of Galveston’s native animals and how their survival stories mirror the island’s rugged, enduring spirit.  Galveston’s barrier island ecosystem comes to life through its remarkable animal residents. From...

Galveston is preparing for one of its biggest private investments in decades. Sachs on the Seawall—a $540 million mixed-use project by Royal Crown Enterprise—will bring a Marriott Renaissance hotel, condos, apartments (including workforce housing), and retail to the...

We endorse a YES vote on the $10 million Fire Station No. 2 bond. It’s the first brick in a larger promise: protect the people who protect us—and do better than we did this budget season.Galveston’s 1960s-built Fire Station No. 2 can’t meet today’s emergency needs—too...

In Part 2 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about managing the success of Galveston. Mayor Brown’s vision for Galveston’s future, balancing port growth, sustainable tourism, small-business support, and workforce housing with civic unity. Brown stresses collaboration between the city, Park Board, port, and citizens to preserve Galveston’s character while promoting economic progress.

“It is not enough to report on Galveston. We must champion it. We must demand the kind of journalism that strengthens people rather than pacifies them.” Journalism has power—or it has nothing at all. For David Landriault, Founder of The 1839, the calling is not to sit...

“You don’t need a corporate budget to think like a CFO.” - Teresa Wagonseller From corporate boardrooms to coastal main streets, Teresa Wagonseller has seen what makes businesses thrive—and what makes them stall. In this exclusive interview with The 1839, she distills...

“Three votes held Galveston’s future hostage, leaving the majority—and the city—powerless.” Galveston’s tax vote deadlock wasn’t about $6 a month—it was about whether the city would protect its reserves, support its employees, and prepare for future storms. Instead,...

Galveston Community Enrichment Award An unforgettable evening in Galveston celebrated the legacy of local icon Mike Dean while welcoming a new wave of energy and commitment to the island’s future. Writer Victoria Saracco shares a personal reflection on community,...

Galveston’s Sade Storthz, our reigning Miss Galveston Texas, steps onto the statewide stage at the 88th Annual Miss Texas Pageant—held June 24–28 at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson, Texas.

“Removing the rainbow crosswalk should not be viewed as erasing or disrespecting the LGBTQ+ community. Quite the opposite—it offers a chance to replace a fading symbol with something truly lasting.” — Trey Click Anger found the rainbow first. Truth came later. The...

With 64% of revenue tied to cruise ships, Galveston’s port is betting big on one industry. Guest columnist, and Council Member for District 2, David Finklea calls for mobility planning, economic diversification, and a waterfront designed for people — not just parking lots and ships.

Tom Schwenk is a seasoned Galveston real estate broker and the owner of Coldwell Banker TGRE, an independently owned affiliate of Coldwell Banker and one of the most respected real estate firms on the island. With decades of experience and a tireless work ethic, Tom has not only shaped Galveston’s housing market—he’s helped shape the island’s future.

After a barge strike exposed Galveston’s vulnerability, a bold idea is back: a Pelican Island land bridge that could replace the Seawolf Parkway span, add rail access, and double as storm-surge protection.

“This isn’t just shipbuilding—it’s nation-building. And Galveston is now on the map.” A White House agreement to procure 11 U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters—four built in Finland and seven in the United States—puts Galveston on the map as a polar‑shipbuilding...

In Part 1 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about Galveston’s next decade. From bold economic growth and cultural diversity to the harsh realities of flooding and infrastructure costs, Mayor Brown offers both hope and hard truths. This is not just a plan—it’s a call to action for every resident who believes in Galveston’s future.

There’s a rhythm to life on Galveston Island. If you live here long enough, you can feel it.

Once you’re in sync, everything changes. In The Rhythm of the Island, I reflect on how embracing this unique flow has helped me—and the business owners I work with—not just survive the off-season, but thrive in it.

Written By: Teresa Wagonseller, CPA, Fractional CFO, and proud member of The 39ers.

Sea turtles have become Galveston icons—from painted sculptures on sidewalks to real-life hatchlings emerging under moonlight. But beyond the art and admiration lies a fragile fight for survival, one that calls on all of us to protect the coast they depend on.