GALVESTON, Texas – After a state-mandated tightening of coronavirus restrictions prompted businesses to close or reduce capacity in Brazoria and Galveston counties, leaders in both places are asking to be moved into the same trauma service area as Houston. Brazoria and Galveston counties are in Trauma Service Area R, while Harris County, where Houston is located, is in area Q.COVID-19 hospitalizations in area R have been at or above 15% for at least two weeks, while the rate has been inching higher to that mark in area Q. In their request, The judges cite their distance from the majority of counties in TSA R and their close proximity to TSA Q. “The spread of COVID-19 within TSA-Q impacts the residents and hospitals in Galveston County and Brazoria County significantly more than the spread of COVID-19 in TSA-R,” the judges wrote. There are two other Houston-area counties that are in area R -- Chambers and Liberty.

HOUSTON – The 288 Expressway is officially open! In addition, the department will open the Brazoria County 288 Expressway, a 5-mile section from the Brazoria/Harris county line at Clear Creek to County Road 58 north. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta said it’s an opening that has been a long time coming. “It will help with congestion relief on Highway 288,” Sebesta said in a press release. “We are excited to see the Brazoria County Expressway completed, allowing our residents to spend less time in traffic and more time at home with their families.”Residents can travel the expressway for free from Harris County to Brazoria County, between Nov. 16-29.

HOUSTON – Houston-area officials are issuing voluntary evacuations and disaster declarations as Tropical Storm Beta continues to brew in the Gulf of Mexico. Bolivar PeninsulaGalveston County Judge Mark Henry issued a voluntary evacuation order, effective 9 a.m. Saturday. Chambers CountyChambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia issued a disaster declaration on Saturday in advance of Tropical Storm Beta. Those residents whose homes have been affected in past high rain or high storm surge events should consider moving to higher ground. Lake HoustonHouston Public Works is temporarily lowering Lake Houston from 42 feet to 41.5 feet in anticipation of Tropical Storm Beta.

HOUSTON – Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta issued a voluntary evacuation Saturday for low-lying coastal areas outside the protection levee, beginning Saturday at 4 p.m.Officials also closed county beaches to vehicular traffic due to current high tides and impending storm surge, starting Saturday at 6 p.m.Officials said all coastal residents and visitors need to continue to stay up-to-date on Tropical Storm Beta, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and conditions along the coast could change quickly. Those along the coast need to be prepared and have a plan if conditions worsen, the county said.

HOUSTON Brazoria County has put restrictions in place for island access on Independence Day weekend, starting on Saturday through Monday. Judge Matt Sebesta has closed island access from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Quintana/Bryan Beach, Folletts Island, and Surfside Beach. Residents and beach house rentals, as well as RV campgrounds rentals will be allowed access with proof of residency or rental. If an unsafe capacity on the islands is reached prior to 11 a.m., the access time could change, according to the judges office. A news release reads, This access closure is to ensure emergency management and first responder resources can access the beach areas if an emergency arises.

PEARLAND, Texas – A senior living facility in Brazoria County has seen its number of confirmed cases of staff and residents infected with the coronavirus spike in recent weeks to 76, county officials confirmed Tuesday. “Of course, we would like for there to be zero cases in the facility, but for the most part our residents and staff are asymptomatic,” Morel continued. Numbers released by the office of Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta confirmed Tuesday that there were 76 COVID-19 cases at Windsong — 59 residents and 17 staff members. Morel, who owns the senior living facility with her husband, also contracted COVID-19. County officials said containing the virus at senior living favorites is a top priority.

HOUSTON – Surfside Beach was busy with visitors Saturday. The majority of the people seem not to be respecting social distancing guidelines or didn’t wear a face mask or covering. Surfside Beach is located near Freeport, in Brazoria County, which has encouraged residents to wear a face covering when out in public, but it is not mandated. On April 7, Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta ordered the temporary closures to county parks, including Quintana Park and Stephen F. Austin Park. As of Saturday, Brazoria County has reported 573 COVID-19 cases, including three people who have died from coronavirus-related complications, according to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard.