A voluntary evacuation order has been issued by Galveston Emergency Management Officials for the west end of Galveston Island.

Galveston is ready to continue lighting up its nights along the Seawall with an ongoing project to install bollard lights along the popular thoroughfare, Galveston announced Wednesday.

The Galveston Police Department announced Monday Police Chief Vernon Hale will resign, stating that Hale will step down at the end of October to pursue “another career opportunity.”

Over the weekend, Galveston officials started increasing efforts to punish those who litter on the island. According to a release by the City of Galveston, cigarette butts, plastic bags, styrofoam cups, and bottles are common items left on the beach. Not only does littering affect birds and marine life and is destructive to natural resources, but officials also say it’s an eyesore. Officials ask that visitors not only collect their trash but bring it to the designated bins. “Our crews work around the clock to help keep the beaches clean and we encourage all who visit to do their share in keeping the coastal environment clean, safe and healthy.”

GALVESTON, Texas The City of Galveston recently announced new parking changes for Galvestons Seawall, city officials announced in a release. City officials redistributed 220 free parking spaces in four sections on the north side of the Seawall, between 12th and 19th streets, 33rd and 39th streets, 53rd and 61st streets, and 85th to the 9100 block of Seawall Blvd. "This change in free parking on the Seawall is part of those efforts.Previously, parking was available between 69th and 81st streets. The redistribution of parking spaces is part of Galvestons ongoing Beach Access Plan compliance project, providing wider access to all public beaches on the Island, Galveston city officials said. All other parking spaces along the Seawall are paid, and costs $1 per hour between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

GALVESTON, Texas – Eight beaches on Galveston Island have been closed to vehicle traffic this weekend in an effort to help enforce social distancing rules. City leaders said that vehicular access to Sunny Beach, Hershey Beach, 13 Mile Road, 16 Mile Road, Bay Harbor, Miramar, Stavanger, and Salt Cedar, will be closed until 9 p.m. Sunday. These eight beaches were chosen because they typically draw a lot of traffic and have presented crowding issues in the past, officials said. Authorities will be enforcing social distancing rules while patrolling the beaches, officials said. An aerial advertising campaign is also being used to remind beachgoers of the rules.