The 1839: Where Tradition Meets Insight

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.

“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...

“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...

“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...

“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’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.

Inside the Sunflower Bakery & Café, where family, flavor, and community come first. The Sunflower Bakery & Café has been Galveston’s brunch heartbeat for more than two decades. Family-owned by Harry and Lisa Blair with their son Zach, the café blends...

Inside Shrimp 'N Stuff, where the Antonelli family has carried a tradition of island flavor since 1976. Since 1976, Shrimp 'N Stuff has been Galveston’s go-to spot for fried shrimp baskets, gumbo, and Gulf Coast comfort food. Owned and operated by Jeff Antonelli and...