BOLIVAR PENINSULA, Texas – A changing coastline is how one High Island family described the beach front of Highway 87 as they walked their dog along the shoreline.
Bolivar Peninsula took a beating after Beryl, the over 100 mph winds pushing waves over Highway 87. The waves and winds were strong enough to move concrete barriers and debris onto the road, making it impossible to pass.
Beryl also displaced the dune system that help protect the peninsula – all signs that the coastline is vulnerable.
On average, the Texas coastline’s erosion rate is around 4 feet a year. Dr. Dawn Buckingham, the Land Commissioner, says some parts of the coast are more at risk than others.
David Harris has lived in Bolivar for 30 years. The devastation of Ike brought tears to his eyes after he saw the destruction of his community in 2008. Fast forward to 2024, and Harris documents the storms that roll through the peninsula on Bolivar Live – the eyes and ears for homeowners, businesses, and lovers of Bolivar. He uses a decked-out truck, drones, and stationary cameras that stream live video during sunny and stormy days.
Meteorologist Daji Aswad: “How many times have you seen [highway 87 flood]?”
David Harris: “This year, I really haven’t seen it flood – it’s only been a couple of times, and Beryl was one of them. It’s not just during hurricane season, but when we get a full moon, high tide, and strong wind, it can flood.”
Harris worries for the families who need general medical attention when Highway 87 shuts down because first responders will be unable to reach them if they are unable to evacuate ahead of a storm.
The General Land Office currently lists several coastal erosion and flood mitigation projects on its website that target the Bolivar Peninsula and Highway 87. Now, there are delays due to this year’s storms.
“It has delayed some of our projects, such as the rollover pass pier. But we’re working to get that back on track to compensate for what happened with the erosion and the loss of the sand dunes,” said Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Land Commissioner.
Harris says he hopes to see quicker progress with the coastal projects.