Discover Matagorda

By the numbers MATAGORDA COUNTY

Matagorda County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,344. Its county seat is Bay City, not to be confused with the larger Baytown in Harris and Chambers Counties. Matagorda County is named for the canebrakes that once grew along the coast.

MATAGORDA COUNTY Communities & History

Matagorda County is a picturesque community on the Texas Gulf Coast with a rich history and access to the great outdoors.

The county is located on the Texas Gulf Coast mid-way between Galveston and Corpus Christi and only 65 miles from the Houston metro area. The county spreads out over 1,114 square miles of coastal prairie and boasts more than 65 miles of coastline.

Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor sports such as fishing and boating, they can take a stroll through one of the many parks and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature that abound in the number one birding spot in the nation or they can spend some time shopping in one of the unique locally owned shops found throughout the county.

The county, with a population of 36, 975, was once home to the Karankawa Indians.

Settlement by Anglo-Americans began in 1822, when the schooner “Only Son” landed immigrants for Stephen F. Austin’s colony at the mouth of the Colorado River. Matagorda County was organized as one of the first 23 counties by the Republic of Texas.

While the town of Matagorda was the only major town in the county in 1890, by 1913 railroads had helped establish or expand many towns and villages to include Bay City, Palacios, Blessing, Collegeport, Markham, Midfield, Wadsworth, Van Vleck, Pledger and Sargent.

Bay City, located at the junction point of three railroad lines at the time, flourished after 1900.

Devastation of Matagorda by major hurricanes caused the county seat to be moved to Bay City.

You don’t have to drive far to come across one of the more than 100 Texas Historical Markers found throughout the county.

There are six sites listed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places, with one of those sites being an entire district in Bay City.

With three of the county’s main communities – Palacios, Matagorda and Sargent – on the water, fishing and watersports are a big draw in the spring and summertime. Whether your passion is kayaking, boating, skiing, riding jet skis or spending a lazy day on the beach, the county has you covered.

BAY CITY

Bay City is a town with a strong, historical presence and the county seat of Matagorda County.

The community — named for its location on Bay Prairie, between the richly productive bottomlands of the Colorado River and Caney Creek — was established in 1894 when David Swickheimer, a Colorado mining millionaire and participant in a promotional organization called the Enterprise Land and Colonizing Company, formed the Bay City Town Company in partnership with G.M. Magill, N.M. Vogelsang, and Nicholas King.

The men selected two cow pastures on Bay Prairie as the site for a new community, buying 640 acres with a square mile given to the townsite. The promoters laid out wide, regular streets. Elliott’s Ferry, two miles away, provided transportation across the Colorado River.

In August 1894, before a single building was erected, Magill and Vogelsang released the first issue of the Bay City Breeze and began to promote the new community. The promoters succeeded in convincing county residents to support the new town.

Bay City voters approved the City Manager form of government in the May 2019 election. Shawna Burkhart currently serves as the City Manager. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, Robert Nelson, and City Council and is responsible for the day

to day operations of the city. Five city council members serve staggered, twoyear terms.

The town is home to a large public library and a state-of-the-art medical center.

Two parks and a nature center give residents a place to get outdoors and relax and two public pools allow hours of refreshing summer fun.

Skateboard enthusiasts have a place to hang out and hone their skills at a 6,600-square-foot facility at Hardeman Park on 12th Street in Bay City. Rollerbladers and rollerskaters also are welcome at the park.

The Matagorda County Museum is housed in the town’s original 1918 U.S. Post Office. The museum offers four permanent exhibits and several temporary exhibits each year, giving fresh

attractions for returning visitors.

In the museum’s basement, “Our Town” is a turn-of-the-century playroom, complete with a corral, general store, barber shop, jail, craft room and an opera house that allows children a taste of pioneer life.

The Bay City Public Library provides books, video tapes and DVDs, audio tapes and compact discs for use by Matagorda County residents.

The library has several special features, including a genealogy section, a continually updated reference section, internet work stations, large print books, a daily newspaper service, a summer reading program and links to the interlibrary loan system.

The library is at 1100 Seventh St. and can be reached at 979-245-6931.

Blessing is west of the junction of Texas 35 and FM 616, 20 miles west of Bay City on the west side of the Tres Palacios River in northwestern Matagorda County.

The town was founded by Jonathan Edwards Pierce on land he owned in the early 1900s.

The town was first named “Thank God” by Pierce in gratitude for the coming of the railroad, but the U.S. Post Office rejected that name.

The name Blessing was the second choice, and the post office opened in 1903.

In 1949, Blessing students were consolidated with the Tidehaven school district, but elementary students still attend classes at Blessing Elementary.

Blessing is home to the historic Hotel Blessing.

Built in 1906, the Hotel Blessing was the brainchild of Jonathan Pierce and his son, Abel. An architect in Victoria drew plans for the hotel.

The hotel was given to the Blessing Historical Foundation in 1977 and was restored in 1978.

In 1979, the Hotel Blessing was entered into the National Register of Historic Places, the first official listing for Matagorda County with this distinction.

The Hawley Cemetery, formerly Deming’s Bridge Cemetery, is three miles east of Blessing on Texas 35. It was started in 1854.

BLESSING CEDAR LANE C

edar Lane, at the intersection of FM 457 and 521 in east central Matagorda County on Caney Creek, is a small community, with an identity tied to the church and a long history.

Its history is borne out by the fact the community has had three names — Sugar Land originally, then Bowieville and Cedar Lane.

Sugar Land dates back to the mid

The Hawley Cemetery Association was formed in 1940 at the request of Pearl Pierce Smith. It is now a non-profit charitable organization.

Hawley Cemetery is the burial site of notable people such as A.H. “Shanghai” Pierce, a Texas rancher; J.E. Pierce, a Texas rancher and founder of Blessing; and W.W. “Pudge” Heffelfinger, an All-American guard from Yale in the 1800s.

Popular with locals is Heffelfinger Memorial Park.

The park includes lighted baseball fields, a walking track, basketball and tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic areas and a small lake with a suspension bridge leading to a gazebo in the center.

1800s, when sugar plantations thrived along the Caney, including the Bowie Plantation.

Just to the north of Caney Creek, Bowieville was a farming community on FM 457, probably named for nearby Lake Bowie.

The original settlement clustered around the Bowie store that began during the plantation days, with an approach through a lane of cedars.

The crossroads town also was linked to early Matagorda County ranches and farms on Buckner’s Prairie, the Live Oak Community and Coulterville.

In 1912, Cedar Lane had its own post office and was a stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad.

While postal service was briefly discontinued in the 1960s, Cedar Lane’s post office has been serving the community since 1967.

COLLEGEPORT

Collegeport is found where FM 1095 ends, two miles northeast of Palacios in southwestern Matagorda County.

The Hurd Land Company organized the town in 1908 as a promotion for selling acreage in Jonathan E. Pierce’s ranch. Collegeport was an experiment — a community with a port on Tres Palacios Bay, shipping locally-grown agriculture products, and a college offering an education to prepare people for the new 20th century.

The combination of a port and the college, Gulf Coast University of Industrial Arts, gave the settlement its name. The township’s grand opening was May 25, 1909, at the Hotel Collegeport.

Problems plagued the new town soon after its founding, when the first year’s rice crop failed because irrigation canals were not completed. The second year’s crop also failed because salt

MARKHAM

water backed up into the Tres Palacios River and tributaries.

Farms and houses began to be put up for sale in increasing numbers in 1914, a year that also brought a heavy freeze, killing the citrus orchards and damaging many other crops.

Collegeport is another small Matagorda County town with a rich history. It is located on the eastern shore of Tres Palacios Bay and has a population of about 100.

Collegeport residents show pride in their hometown with an annual celebration that strengthens the link between the past and the present.

Collegeport Day is celebrated the last Saturday in May.

A community center — the Mopac House — was built from lumber from the Missouri Pacific depot and attached to the library building of 1923 during the depression in 1935. The building has a Registered Texas

Markham sits six miles west of Bay City, where FM roads 1468 and 2431 cross and just north of Texas 35.

The town was first named Cortes, for the community’s largest employer, the Moore Cortes Canal Company. The name was changed in 1903 to Markham, in honor of C.H. Markham, an engineer for the Southern Pacific lines.

By 1914 Markham had become a stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad and had a population of 500.

In 1936, Markham had numerous dwellings, two schools, two churches, a factory and about 10 other businesses.

Today Markham also has its own volunteer fire department, several businesses and a population over 1,100.

Historical Marker.

The waterfront views from Collegeport are spectacular. Palacios can be seen across the bay. There also are many unique homes sitting along the waterfront. This small town set in a remote area of Matagorda County is a hidden treasure.

MATAGORDA

The town of Matagorda is Texas’ third oldest city — at one time the state’s third largest — and the second port established in Texas after Galveston.

Mapped in 1827 by Elias R. Wightman — one of Stephen F. Austin’s surveyors — Matagorda was settled by 60 immigrants who were aboard the first sailing vessel to pull

into Matagorda Bay on Jan. 27, 1829.

The historic Matagorda Cemetery was established in 1830. Historic figures buried there include: Ira Ingram, the first speaker of the Texas House; Albert Clinton Horton, the Republic of Texas’ first lieutenant governor; Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and George Morse

Collinsworth, commander of the Texans who captured the Mexican Garrison at Goliad in 1835.

Besides history, other attractions to Matagorda include the Matagorda Beach, the Matagorda Harbor, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Nature Park and ample fishing opportunities.

MIDFIELD

Midfield, 16 miles northwest of Bay City and at the intersection of FM 2431 and Texas 71, is named for the community’s location, which is equal distance from El Campo, Palacios, Bay City and Ganado.

The first post office opened in 1904 and remains in operation today.

Midfield was a stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad in 1914, when the town had two general stores, a lumber company, a bank, a telephone connection

and a population of about 300.

In 1936, Midfield had a paved road, a church, six businesses, and twenty-three dwellings; also by this time the town had its own school district.

By 1949, the Midfield district had been incorporated into the Tidehaven Independent School District.

The town’s population in 1950 was about 60. The 1990s showed a slight increase to about 70. By 2010 the population had grown to 468.

PALACIOS

Palacios is in the southwestern corner of Matagorda County, along Tres Palacios Bay, and is the second largest city in Matagorda County.

Local legend has it that Palacios got its name when Spanish sailors wrecked off its coast and saw a mirage of three palaces on shore.

As they got closer to shore the palaces seemed to disappear, but the name — Tres Palacios or Three Palaces — remained. In 1902, a town was laid out at Hamilton Point and called Tres Palacios. Since that time the “Tres” has been dropped from the official name.

Palacios is dotted with Texas Historical Markers. Five murals scattered throughout the town portray the culture and heritage of the Palacios area and its people. Dayton and Sandra Wodrich of Independence, Texas painted the murals.

You can find out more of the history of Palacios with a visit to the City by the Sea Museum operated by the Palacios Area Historical Association in the R.J. Hill Building, a local landmark dating back to 1910. Visit www. citybytheseamuseum.org for more information, or call 361972-5241.

Known as the Shrimp Capital of Texas, the Port of Palacios is home to more than 400 commercial shrimp, crab and oyster boats that operate in Matagorda Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The port covers more than 124 acres of shoreline and has

PLEDGER

Pledger, in the northern corner of Matagorda County at the junction of FM 1301 and FM 1728, 19 miles north of Bay City, has links to Texas’ first settlers brought by Stephen F. Austin, who granted titles to the land between 1824 and 1827.

The railroad reached Pledger by 1900 and the town site was platted and filed in 1902.

From its earlier settlement days, the Pledger area’s rich bottomland on Caney Creek yielded crops of sugarcane, cotton and corn.

During most of its history, Pledger was primarily an agricultural community. Pecans, turf grass, grains, soybeans, hay, livestock, and cotton were all grown in the area.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The Matagorda County Historical Commission would like to invite you to visit our website at http://usgenwebsites.org/ TXMatagorda/ to experience days gone by. Visit some of our local towns and experience the historic hotels and inns. Shop in our historic business districts and finish with a delicious meal in one of the many locally owned restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to take walking, driving or virtual tours of towns and many historic cemeteries.

four turning basins with more than 12,000 feet of docking space.

Palacios also is a popular spot for “Winter Texans.” Winter Texans are residents of colder, northern states that come to Texas to spend the winter in a warmer, milder climate.

Palacios’ historic pavilion and T-head pier jut into the bay near the park and seawall.

The pavilion was closed after being severely damaged by a Hurricane Claudette, but a new one was just completed in April 2018, the third such pavilion to call Palacios home.

There also are several other piers and jetties that are popular places for fishing. Most are lighted, making them ideal for trying your hand at night fishing.

A 1.5-mile-long concrete seawall allows visitors to take a quiet stroll while enjoying views of both the city and the bay.

Complementing the seawall is the adjacent park and playground that overlook the bay.

Restrooms and fish-cleaning stations are available.

SARGENT

Sargent is a coastal community at the end of FM 457, 30 miles south of Bay City.

The Intracoastal Waterway winds its way through Sargent providing access to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as East Matagorda Bay.

A boat tour down Caney Creek unveils some of the most picturesque views of Matagorda County. Some neighborhoods were developed in the 1970s when canals were dug to connect the Intracoastal Waterway and Caney Creek, giving nearly all homesites waterfront access.

Texas’ last remaining swing bridge adds a touch of nostalgia to the town.

Most of Sargent’s business community caters to beach visitors with restaurants, bait camps, a motel and many

different marinas.

There also is an excellent Bay City branch library, a post office and two churches.

Students attend classes in the Van Vleck Independent School District.

Many people from other areas have vacation homes in Sargent. Sargent also offers ample opportunity for birding enthusiasts to spot several different species.

WADSWORTH VAN VLECK

Wadsworth is an active community that serves as home to a nuclear plant, a chemical plant and an agriculture industry.

Near the junction of Texas 60 and FM 521 and FM 2078 in south central Matagorda County, Wadsworth sees traffic from area farmers and ranchers, workers at the LyondellBasell chemical plant and the South Texas Project nuclear facility,

plus a steady stream of people headed for Matagorda and the warm waters of the Gulf Coast.

Ambrose A. Plotner and John W. Stoddard bought the Kemp pasture Oct. 11, 1902, and formed the Colonial Land Company, which founded Wadsworth and named it for early settler William Wadsworth.

Van Vleck is a 3.5-square-mile town just east of Bay City on Texas 35 with its own post office, school district, two gas stations, a seafood restaurant and a Mexican food establishment that are popular with diners throughout the county.

Van Vleck’s population is about 1,500, many of who live in rural areas on the outskirts of the community.

Van Vleck started out as Hardeman’s Post Office, named after early Texas Statesman, Bailey Hardeman who was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The community was a stop on the Texas and New Orleans railroad around 1899.

In 1901, the community changed its name to Van Vleck, for W.G. Van Vleck, a railroad official.

Growing strong

Matagorda County has been a site chosen again and again for its willingness to work with businesses and industries. It’s most recently home to new projects such as HIF eFuels facility, Rohm, PCC Chemicals, and possibly Tenaris’ expansion plans — if all goes to plan.

HIF successfully put Matagorda County on the map after ranking as one of the top three Texas projects and helping the state keep the coveted Governor’s Cup for the 11th year in a row.

Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director Mike Ferdinand and Bay City Community Development Corporation’s Jessica Russell attended a ceremony in Austin in March where Governor Greg Abbott was awarded with the cup for the total amount of projects up and coming in Texas.

The county was selected as the location of the first industrial scale eFuels facility in North America in April 2022. The company’s goal is to provide highly innovative fuels to make decarbonization of the planet possible. Once the facility is fully operational, officials anticipate it will be producing around 200 million gallons a year of a carbon-neutral gasoline substitute that will decarbonize over 400,000 vehicles in the United States. The carbon-neutral gasoline substitute can be used in vehicles without any modification to existing engines or infrastructure on which they depend. It is produced by combining CO2 captured from the atmosphere with green hydrogen from renewable wind power.

The company estimates it will create nearly 3,000 jobs during the construction phase and more than 150 permanent operating jobs. Construction will begin in late 2023 or early 2024 at the site near South Texas Project nuclear plant. Geotechnical work has already begun.

PCC Chemicals Corporation plant will encompass approximately 120 acres on the Port of Bay City’s land. The facility’s estimated time of construction is around three years and representatives say they hope to have it completed by December 2027.

COUNTY GAINS STATEWIDE ATTENTION WITH HIF LANDING IN AREA

The primary manufactured product will be alkoxylates, i.e., ethoxylate and polyol products. These fatty alcohol derivatives create surfactants, which are commonly found in household cleaners, laundry detergents, personal care products and have use in other various industrial applications.

“This is another opportunity to diversify the county,” former county Judge Nate McDonald said of the project. “These types of jobs coming are career jobs. They pay enough for you to have health care, retirement and a home loan. This represents the American dream. I am interested in opportunities for citizens in our county. This is another piece of that puzzle. This kind of job will appeal to someone out there. It’s the kind of job to bring our kids home to work here. This is very important for the county. I appreciate Jessica Russell and George Harrison’s work on this. We’re going to be great partners with PCC Chemicals Corporation for the next 50 plus years.”

Rohm and OQ broke ground on a new world-scale methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in late 2022. The facility is being constructed by Röhm at OQ Chemicals’ production site in Bay City. Once completed in early 2024, the new plant will produce 250,000 metric tons of MMA annually and create 70 direct jobs.

The plant will be the first to use Rohm’s latest proprietary production technology on a large industrial scale.

Business, housing growth strong in county

methacrylate (MMA) plant in late 2022. The facility is being constructed by Röhm at OQ Chemicals’ production site in Bay City. Once completed in early 2024, the new plant will produce 250,000 metric tons of MMA annually and create 70 direct jobs.

The plant will be the first to use Rohm’s latest proprietary production technology on a large industrial scale.

The plant will be the first to use Rohm’s latest proprietary production technology on a large industrial scale.

Another exciting addition to the county includes the construction of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Bay City.

Russell said the luring of Chick-fil-A to Bay City is a big move for the city and will pay huge dividends on the economic landscape of the community as well.

“The fact that we caught Chick-fil-A’s eye, which is pretty much the holy grail of quick serve restaurants — I think it’s really going to change the tide,” Russell said. “Couple it with the five new subdivisions that we have in various stages of development, we have Rohm out in the county being built and that is providing quality jobs. Matagorda County and Bay are really on a roll right now.”

Russell said businesses such as Chick-fil-A are the type that the Bay City CDC is looking to add to the businesses in the community.

“We really want to target industry and target businesses that improve our quality of place. They make Bay City a better place to live, work and play,” Russell said.

The restaurant has started construction next to La Quinta Inn & Suites on Seventh Street and is set to be completed with a grand opening near the end of 2023.

Complementing the growing industries in the county are new housing developments.

Bay City’s current housing projects include Lynn Development’s Valor Park, Bold Fox’s Sandhill, Maddox Property’s Russell Ranch and Century Communities’ Meadow Oaks Subdivision.

Together the housing developments will add over 300 new homes to the area upon completion.

Housing projects in Palacios includes Lynn Development’s Pelican Place and Beachside.

Pelican Place is a 19 acre project on the north side of Palacios that will feature 70 affordable, new single-family homes. Phase one of the project is moving along on schedule.

Beachside is a luxury gated community with over 400 lots owned by private landowners, ready to build on. Amenities include a private resort style pool, clubhouse, basketball and tennis court.

LyondellBasell’s Matagorda Site is found on Texas Highway 60 between Wadsworth and Matagorda.

The site manufactures high-density polyethylene pellets, which are used to make everything from toys to auto parts to grocery bags.

The LyondellBasell facility in Matagorda recently marked 20 years of achievement at the highest level of the Voluntary Protection Programs.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awards this distinction for safety performance excellence in the private sector. The Matagorda site recently completed the Star re-certification process, which recognizes companies

LYONDELLBASELL

that meet and exceed OSHA requirements and standards.

LyondellBasell employees are known for the generosity and community involvement. Each year they pick a Global Care Day project. The company initiative involves thousands of workers in 20 countries across six continents. The goal is to leave a long, sustainable impact in the communities where LyondellBasell operates.

The company also works diligently to provide educational opportunities that help Matagorda Independent School District students broaden their knowledge, which in turn benefits our school community. They helped the school build a greenhouse and expand

their outdoor science lab.

Every year the employees of LyondellBasell and Zachry shower the students at Matagorda Elementary School with Christmas gifts as part of the Adopt-A-Christmas program.

They go the extra mile to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get what they want from Santa regardless of whether they are on the naughty or nice list.

LyondellBasell and Zachry hold fundraisers throughout the year within their companies to cover the cost of the event, raising the money all year to purchase gifts specific to each child. They also take the time to spend with the children at the party.

SOUTH TEXAS PROJECT (STP)

The South Texas Project is off FM 521 near Wadsworth.

The two-unit facility, one of the nation’s largest and the county’s largest employer, began commercial operation in 1988 and 1989 respectively. The plant is managed by STP Nuclear Operating Company and owned by Austin Energy, CPS Energy and Constellation Energy. STP’s two units produce approximately 2,700 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power two million Texas homes.

In 2014, STP’s Unit 2 led the U.S. nuclear industry in generation. Unit 2 safely produced 11.63 billion kilowatthours in 2016, the highest in site history. Combined, overall production in 2014 was the eighth highest in STP’s 26-year commercial operating history.

In addition, STP’s Unit 2 safely achieved a breaker-to-breaker

operational run of 462 consecutive days since its last refueling and maintenance outage.

STP has earned more industry honors than any other plant nationwide.

The nuclear plant plays an important

role in the community by supporting charitable and service organizations and holding positions on area chambers of commerce and other boards of directors.

To learn more about the South Texas Project, visit www.stpnoc.com.

Construction on TenarisBayCity began in 2013 with a September groundbreaking ceremony.

TenarisBayCity, the company’s first seamless pipe mill in the United States, is a state-of-the-art facility on Highway 35 between Bay City and Van Vleck. It became fully operational in the Fall of 2017, and brought approximately 600 direct manufacturing jobs to the area.

The project represents a $1.8 billion investment in Matagorda County.

Tenaris is a leading supplier of tubes and related services for the world’s energy industry and certain other industrial

TENARIS

applications. In the United States, Tenaris employs almost 4,000 employees and operates 11 manufacturing facilities in seven states. Tenaris North America is headquartered in Houston.

TenarisBayCity has quickly followed along the lines of the other industrial plants in the county by becoming a community partner.

TenarisBayCity has invested millions of dollars to education around the area since 2013. Tenaris also dedicated a new Manufacturing and Technology Lab at Wharton County Junior College Bay City campus in 2015.

BAY CITY ISD Learning here

Covering 158 square miles within Matagorda County, Bay City Independent School District serves Pre-K through 12th grade in three elementary campuses, a junior high school campus and high school campus.

Bay City ISD is a 4A district serving just over 3,500 students.

Schools include the new Linnie Roberts Elementary campus, which opens on the site of the old McAllister Junior High in the fall of 2021. It houses all first and second grade students in the district.

Tenie Holmes Elementary, which opened in the fall of 2019, houses all students in Grades 3, 4 and 5.

John H. Cherry Elementary houses all Pre-K and kindergarten students in the district.

Bay City Junior High, which also opened in the fall of 2019, houses sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

Bay City High School houses all students in Grades 9-12.

The high school offers more than 20 high school advanced placement and dual credit courses on site. Students may accumulate 40+ college credit hours before graduation.

Dr. Dwight McHazlett is the superintendent of the district and his office is located in the administration building at 520 Seventh St. next to Bay City High School.

Bay City ISD has its own police force to monitor campuses and provide security for school events.

The district’s website can be accessed at bcblackcats.net

PALACIOS ISD

Palacios Independent School District is located in southwestern Matagorda County with a small portion of the district extending into Calhoun County and Jackson County.

Palacios ISD consists of four schools: Central Elementary for grades Pre-K through grade 2, East Side Intermediate for grades 3-5, Palacios Junior High for grades 6-8 and Palacios High School for grades 9-12.

The district serves about 1,300 students and offers excellent programs to prepare them for the workforce including Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, A/V Technology & Communication; Education & Training; Hospitality & Tourism; and Human Services.

For more information about this great school, visit the Superintendent Bill Chapman’s office located at 1209 Twelfth Street or call 361-972-5491.

HOLY CROSS

Holy Cross Catholic School is a private school option for students in Pre-K through sixth grades. It is fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, which is recognized by the Texas Education Agency. Holy Cross is located at 2001 Katy Avenue in Bay City.

Call 979-245-5632 for more information on Holy Cross Catholic School.

SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS PRESCHOOL

Over 20 years ago, the First United Methodist Church of Bay City began a preschool called Sunshine and Rainbows. It is located at 2300 Avenue H.

The school was designed and established as a community outreach program and has continued to operate for the past 30 years.

Contact the school at 979-245-2801 or www. fumcbaycity.com for more information.

TIDEHAVEN ISD

Towns of Markum, Blessing and Midfield make up the Tidehaven Independent School District, which has just more than 900 students attending.

The Tidehaven combined high school and junior high campus is located in El Maton and opened at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

The district also boasts elementary schools in Markham and Blessing. Those two elementary schools opened during the 2014-2015 school year. Each elementary campus has a floor plan

VAN VLECK ISD

that includes 17 classrooms along with an administration area and combined cafeteria/gym/auditorium featuring state of the art heating and cooling systems, a designed campus securing system and an open-air feel enhanced by extensive windows on the exterior and interior of the buildings.

Tidehaven ISD is also the location for the Federal Emergency Management Agency emergency center, which is inside the district’s high school domed gymnasium.

MATAGORDA ISD

Matagorda Independent School District board of trustees voted for Matagorda to add grades 9 through 12 into their curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year.

Matagorda has not had a high school located in the town since Gulf High School in 1949. The Gulf School District located in the area was established in 1921 but consolidated with Matagorda ISD in 1949.

Matagorda is currently a PK -8 grade school with their high school students attending Bay City, Van Vleck, and Tidehaven Schools.

Matagorda High School students currently drive/ride 25 miles one way to attend school in Bay City each day. The district plans to bring back grades 9-12 in order to give students a local option for high school.

Matagorda ISD Superintendent Barbara Marchbanks was hired in August 2021 to improve and grow the District.

Van Vleck Independent School District recently completed $88 million in bond projects that constructed three new campuses for the district.

Van Vleck High School, encompasses Grades 9 through 12. Van Vleck Junior High School houses Grades 6 through 8. Van Vleck Elementary/ Intermediate School houses Pre-K through Grade 5 students.

Van Vleck ISD has 1,045 students as part of the district.

The district administration offices are located at 142 Fourth St. in Van Vleck.

The Superintendent of Schools is Christie Dement. The district serves the communities of Van Vleck, Allenhurst, Caney, Cedar Lake, Cedar Lane, Hawkinsville, and Sargent.

“One way to improve and grow the district is to bring in more students and to offer more options for classes. This year middle school students were allowed to take CTE classes and Spanish classes for high school credit. Eighth grade students will take the college entrance exam in April to allow the students the option of taking Dual Credit college classes through Wharton County Community College online,” Marchbanks said.

Marchbanks said in addition to the high school grades, dual credit classes will also be added this coming year.

“We will offer additional Dual Credit classes in Career and Technology which could include Agriculture, STEM, Energy including Oil, Gas, and Chemical Manufacturing, Informational technology, Audio Visual Business and Marketing,” said Marchbanks.

The district has set its sights to widen their music program to offer band for middle and high school students.

“We are excited to open a high school and give more options for our students and community as we witness exponential growth in Matagorda County,” said Marchbanks.

WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE

The Wharton County Junior College’s Bay City Campus has created an internationally recognized Nuclear Power Technology Program. The Bay City campus is housed in the Center for Energy Development building at 4000 Avenue F.

The campus serves industries in Matagorda County and surrounding areas by training students in process and nuclear power technology, with Associate of Applied Science degrees available in both programs.

Industrial labs with state-of-the-art equipment give students hands-on experience with some of the same equipment used in local plants.

An agreement between Wharton County Junior College, Tenaris and the Bay City Community Development

Corporation enabled the college to add a Mechanical Technician Certificate and a Manufacturing Technology AAS degree curriculum.

A new training building at the Center for Energy Development Campus was completed in 2015.

The technical school is an important opportunity to the young adults of Matagorda County to learn skills that can be used at any of the local industries.

Playing here

Matagorda Beach is a favorite place of both locals and visitors for soaking up the sun, walking along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline and gathering seashells.

Travel and Leisure Magazine declared it one of the “Best Secret Beaches on Earth.”

Matagorda Beach stretches about 55 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, with the last 35 miles being accessible only by boat. Beach permits are required for driving on the beach and can be purchased at the beach entrance and some area stores.

The jetty walkway on the beach has long been a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors. A second jetty stretches over half a mile long and is constructed of large granite stones.

Permits are required for vehicles entering the beach and can be purchased at the beach entrance or from most local merchants.

Just before entering the beach is the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Matagorda Bay Nature Park, a 1,600-acre park and preserve is at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Peninsula.

Sargent Beach is a quiet alternative to some of the state’s more crowded beaches. It is an excellent spot for fishing, collecting seashells and bird watching.

The beach is usually left in the natural state so you can find plenty of seashells, driftwood and other items that have washed up on the shores. A good portion of the beach has road access, but if you plan on leaving the road and driving onto the sand, it would be a good idea to have a 4-wheel drive. There are a few covered picnic tables available.

THE FISH ARE ALWAYS BITING

Whatever floats your boat, whether its wade fishing, drift fishing, surf fishing or offshore fishing, Matagorda County is the place to be. With more than 50 miles of coastline and literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and bayous, you’ll find every type of habitat for almost any type of fish.

Walk along the beach on a typical day and you’re sure to find the surf-fishers among the shorebirds, setting up their poles for their catch of the day. Others line up along the piers, like the Jetty Park at Matagorda or the brand-new Swing Bridge Fishing Park where the old swing bridge used to be. Last year a brandnew bridge opened, connecting Matagorda with the barrier island and giving ready access to more space for some fine fishing.

Fly-fishing for the trophy-sized speckled trout that like to hang out in the grass flats and along the reefs can be an adrenaline rush, as well; nine-pounders are not uncommon, and they like to put up a good fight. Fly-fishing on the banks of the Colorado is popular, as well as in the flats of East and West Matagorda Bay.

Some thrill-seekers head out to the open sea for heart-pounding adventures

in search of the giant tuna, kingfish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin that ply the waters of the deep. Others stick closer to home, trolling the thriving waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, East or West Matagorda Bay or Tres Palacios Bay in search of trophy redfish, black drum, flounder or speckled sea trout.

You don’t have to head for the high seas or be an expert to have a good time, or to catch tomorrow’s lunch. For beginning anglers, try flounder gigging in Matagorda Bay. This is a nocturnal adventure; with lights on the airboat, you can watch the marine life under the water and the stars above.

GUIDE SERVICES

Capt. Tommy Alexander

979-709-8242

Capt. Tommy Countz

281-450-4037

Capt. Ken Marshall

713-560-6000

Capt. Matthew David

832-549-8183

Capt. Ken Sabine

281-814-3531

Capt. Aaron Wollam

361-972-1563

979-240-8204

Capt. Hank Huitt

361-972-6393

979-241-8443

Capt. Hollis

Forrester

979-236-3115

Capt. Charlie Paradoski

713-725-2401

281-937-7381

Capt. Jimmy Riddle

936-329-4176

Capt. Chris Orms

832-766-2745

Capt. Scott Reeh

832-595-5619

979-793-4103

Capt. Gene Allen

979-429-7150

Capt. Stan Sloan

832-693-4292

Capt. Mark Talasek

979-244-0044

979-479-1397

Capt. Kendal Kersh

979-248-1871

Capt. Don Wood

979-863-7334

979-244-2777

979-240-4137

Capt. Ron Frasier

979-244-1566

979-557-9444

Capt. Daniel Kubecka

979-240-5312

Capt. Ron Cumming

832-274-7416

Capt. Michael Rolf

979-533-3208

Capt. Coach Floyd Ciruti

979-533-0893

979-532-3810

Capt. Walt Wentland

979-244-1366

Capt. Mary Van Dyke

979-479-0613

Capt. Gary Luetge

979-244-2155

Capt. Glenn Ging

979-479-1460

Capt. Brett Sweeny

979-533-3021

Capt. Kevin Kosik

979-885-8298

Capt. Mark Wakefield

979-429-0268

INVESTMENTS PAYOFF FOR AREA ATHLETICS

Investments in athletics throughout the four Matagorda County schools paid off in the 2022-23 school year, with a chance to build on success for years to come.

The Bay City Blackcats opened their new $16 million Bay City Memorial Stadium ahead of the 2020 season, boasting a state-of-the-art video screen, a large press box, artificial turf and other amenities.

The Tidehaven Tigers completed more than $35 million in improvements to Delvin L. Taska Stadium in El Maton, which included the installation of artificial turf, new grandstands, new press box, improved concession stands and new pavement around the stadium.

The Van Vleck Leopards improved grandstands, lighting and the press box at Burl McKinney Stadium in conjunction with the opening of the new high school.

Voters in Palacios just approved Shark Stadium’s $2.6 million improvements, which already had an artificial turf field. Additional seating, a new press, new bathrooms and facilities are in store for the stadium.

That investment paid off in 2022.

After missing the playoffs in 2021, the Bay City Blackcats finished as the No. 2 seed in District 12-4A, D-I play behind a stout defense, Van Vleck is coming off three consecutive playoff seasons, including claiming the district title in 2021 for the first time in 20 years and Tidehaven advanced to the Class 3A regional semifinal this past season.

Although Palacios missed the postseason in football, the team improved to finish fifth in the final District 15-3A, D-I standings.

However, it was not just the local football teams who had success in the last school year. Many local schools’ sports programs saw teams advance in the postseason or individuals finish strong in their respective state competitions.

While Matagorda County is growing, so are its schools’ sports programs entering the 2023-24 school year.

BAY CITY BLACKCATS

After a winless 2021 season district play, Bay City bounced 2022 by finishing second in the a 4-2 record, including winning three straight to end the regular season. The Blackcats opened the UIL Class 4A playoffs with a 57-0 victory over Houston Yates in the bidistrict round before falling to Chapel Hill by one possession in the area round.

The Blackcats went 8-4 overall behind a defense that allowed an average of 15.75 points per game, including shutting out four opponents on the season.

The Blackcats’ dominant performance on defense was highlighted by a 27-20 regularseason finale victory against Stafford to clinch the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. In that game, Bay City’s defense limited the Spartans to six first downs and 74 yards rushing. The Blackcats had four sacks, and Stafford was 2-for-12 on third- and fourth-down conversions.

At the forefront of that vaunted defense was junior defensive lineman Carlon Jones, a recent University of Nebraska commit, who posted 102 tackles and 13 sacks en route to being selected as the District 12-4A, D-I co-defensive MVP.

The rest of the team was led by first-team all-district honorees quarterback Alex Estrada, running back Jada Andrews, receiver Xylan Williams, and linemen Glenn Ihde and Zo’Maryon Bryan. On defense, Ayden Smith, Karius Luster, Joshua Williams, Caden Bradford and Mack Curtis grabbed first-team accolades for the Blackcats, who will be looking for another successful season before realignment occurs in the winter.

The Ladycats volleyball team also made the playoffs in the fall, but not after having to compete in a play-in game to clinch.

Bay City won four of its final five games to force a three-way tie for the final two spots in the District 26-4A standings with Sweeny and new school Iowa Colony. Part of that late-season run included beating Iowa Colony in the first play-in game and finishing fourth place in the standings after losing a coin toss to Sweeny. Either way, the 2022 season improved from the 6-7 district season the team endured the year before.

The Bay City Ladycats basketball team had one of the best seasons in recent memory during the 2022-23 season that saw it capture the District 26-4A title.

The Ladycats finished the district 12-0, went 29-2 overall,

MATAGORDA • 2023-2024

and concluded the season as area finalists. The district’s most valuable player was Bay City’s Alaysia Cook, teammate Khylee Perry was the co-newcomer of the year and Ladycats coach

Chandi Jones was named the coach of the year. First-team honorees for Bay City included Alizia Gonzales, Madison Thrift and Iyanna Williams.

Blackcats basketball did not have the same success as the Ladycats, but they almost made it to the playoffs.

Bay City finished 3-8 in district play and 7-19 overall, but a win against La Marque and Brazosport late in the season put Bay City in a position to force a three-way tie in the district standings. The Blackcats’ season ended in a play-in game against Brazosport.

Jones led Bay City as the district’s defensive most valuable player for the 2022-23 season.

Both Bay City soccer programs concluded their seasons in the playoffs, including the Ladycats, who finished in the regional tournament for a third consecutive year.

Thirteen Bay City players were named to the District 22-4A girls soccer teams.

The Ladycats finished 14-0 in district play and 26-3 overall. The team opened the postseason with a 9-0 win over Iowa Colony in a Class 4A-Region 3 bidistrict round, followed by an 8-0 victory over La Vega in the area round.

The Ladycats advanced to another regional semifinal after beating former district foe Columbia, 10-0, in a home regional quarterfinal match. In a semifinal game, Bay City’s season ended against Lumberton, 3-0.

Junior midfielder Rubi Ortiz was named the district’s most valuable player; senior defender Ella Mata-Perez was named defensive MVP; senior forward Judah Breazeale was named offensive MVP; and junior goalkeeper Iris Dewiit was named the goalie of the year.

Named to first-team all-district included sophomore forward Alaysia Cook, junior midfielder Andrea Perez, junior forward Isabelle Villalovos, junior defender Chloe Rodriguez and senior defender Abigail Dobbs.

Wrapping up the winter sports was powerlifting.

The Bay City Ladycats had a great showing at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Championships.

Sha’Nasia Patterson and Ashlynn Flores finished third place in their respective weight classes. Patterson lifted 600 pounds in the 97-pound class, topping her seeded poundage of 585. She lifted 225 in the squat, benched 125 and her deadlift was 250.

Flores, the outstanding lifter at the Region 4 meet, lifted 1,085, gaining 50 pounds on the day. Her squat was 430, with a bench of 275 and a deadlift of 380 — topping her seeded mark in each category.

The Ladycats brought three lifters to the state meet. Camryn

Garcia bombed out in the bench press in the 198-pound weight class. She entered the state meet lifting 765 pounds and gained 20 pounds on her squat with a 325.

In the spring, both softball and baseball finished with successful seasons.

The Bay City Ladycats rebounded from a slow start to the season to finish fourth in the district standings and advance to the UIL playoffs.

Bay City went 6-6 in District 26-4A play and 10-17-1 overall. That successful season led to several players earning all-district honors this season.

Leading the all-district selections for Bay City was Kaelyn Kopecky as the co-defensive most valuable player. Named firstteam all-district for Bay City included Aleya Zuniga and Rachel Castillo.

The Bay City Blackcats rebounded nicely in 2023 by making the playoffs for the third time in four years. After winning one game in district play last season, the Blackcats raced out to a 4-0 mark in District 26-4A and 6-1 at one point to eventually finish third in the standings.

Bay City (9-3, 16-10-1) concluded its season with a two-game sweep in the bidistrict round against Sealy.

Bay City’s first-team selections included David Perez, Anthony Terrazas and Ashton Wallace.

VAN VLECK LEOPARDS

The Leopards will be under a new head football coach and athletics director for the upcoming 2023-24 school year, but Vleck is coming off a solid season in various sports that should help make the transition easier.

In June, the Leopards’ offensive coordinator and head track and field coach, Shannon Permenter, was named the school’s interim AD and head football coach to replace Rodney Dowell.

Permenter came to Van Vleck from Sweeny when Dowell became athletic director and head football coach before the 2021 season.

The Leopards have gone 13-9 overall and 9-2 in district play the past two seasons, including winning the District 14-3A, D-II title in 2021 and finishing as bidistrict finalists in both years.

Permenter has previous head coaching experience, finishing 22-21 overall with a pair of playoff appearances in his four years at Boling before coming to Van Vleck.

The Leopards are coming off a 2022 football season that

saw the program finish 4-2 in District 14-3A, D-II play and 6-5 overall. At one point in the season, Van Vleck won five of six, including four of five district games.

In basketball, Van Vleck improved mightily in the 2022-23 season by finishing as the No. 2 seed in the District 24-3A standings and making it to the playoffs.

The season before, the Leopards missed the postseason with a sixth-place finish.

With the Leopards’ (11-3, 16-11) success came plenty of recognition on the all-district boys basketball teams for the 2022-23 season.

Van Vleck was led by sophomore Corey Austin, who was named the district’s offensive most valuable player.

Van Vleck had two first-team honorees in sophomore Micah Burks and senior Cameron Austin.

Honorable mention selections for the Leopards went to juniors

Peyton Huerta and Keemar Allums.

The Lady Leopards basketball team also had a successful season in 2022-23, turning in a 5-7 record in district play to finish fourth in the district standings. The team’s success included a three-game win streak in January and five of eight.

Jaila Wilson and Tia Fields led Van Vleck as first-team alldistrict selections, followed by Carlysia Gibson as a second-team honoree.

In the spring, the Van Vleck softball program clinched a playoff berth.

After a fifth-place finish in District 24-3A play during the 2022 season, the Van Vleck Lady Leopards rebounded in 2023 with a third-place record to advance to the UIL playoffs.

The Lady Leopards (8-4, 14-9-1) had won five straight district games at one point in the season and six or seven, including a 10-5 win over Danbury — for the first time since 2015. The team’s season ended in a Class 3A-Region 3 bidstrict series sweep to Coldspring-Oakhurst.

Leading the individual honors for Van Vleck was junior pitcher Keira Reis as the district’s pitcher of the year. Jaila Wilson was Van Vleck’s lone first-team selection.

For baseball, Van Vleck’s three-year postseason run ended this

season by the narrowest of margins.

After the Leopards defeated Danbury in the regular season finale, Van Vleck had a one-game play-in against East Bernard, but the Leopards fell, 2-1, to end their season and finish fifth in the District 24-3A standings with a 5-8 district mark and 6-13 overall record.

Despite missing the players, several Leopards made the alldistrict baseball team, led by sophomore Wade Hutson, who was named the defensive player of the year. First-team selections for Van Vleck included sophomore pitcher Javian Fuentes, third baseman Brett Noster, outfielder Lincoln Roberts and designated hitter Connor Garrison.

TIDEHAVEN TIGERS

The Tidehaven Tigers had one of the most successful seasons in recent history en route to a regional tournament appearance.

The Tigers finished 11-3 overall and went 7-0 in District 14-3A, D-II play. The Tigers’ defense was stifling during the district season, allowing 90 points in those seven contests.

The Tigers went into the playoffs as a third seed in 2021 but won their first two postseason games before falling to Poth in the third round of the playoffs. The freshmen and sophomores who struggled that season matured to turn Tidehaven into a powerhouse in 2022.

Baylor University commit Joseph Dodds helped lead the Tigers’ offense during the 2022 season, including a 215-yard, one-touchdown performance in the team’s first win of the season in September against Odem and 201 yards in Tidehaven’s season opener against Goliad. Dodds, a newcomer of the year as a freshman, was a first-team honoree in 2022.

The Tigers defeated Brazos, 47-0, in the regional quarterfinal, led by Dodds’ two touchdowns on 19 carries and 150 yards, and had its season end to Poth, 12-6, in the semifinal round.

The Tigerettes basketball team also had a berth in the playoffs thanks to a 9-5 record in District 25-3A play and a 25-11 mark overall. Aided in that run was a stretch of five wins in the final

seven regular-season games.

The Tigerettes opened the playoffs with a 45-43 victory against Cole to claim a bidstrict title before having the season end to Poth in the area round in overtime.

In baseball, Tidehaven made a postseason berth for the second year in a row in 2023.

The Tigers (9-6, 13-12) placed fourth in the final District 253A standings after losing to Industrial in a tiebreaker. However, the Tigers had won five straight district games at one point to help them secure a playoff spot after being 4-5 through the first nine games in district play. Tidehaven’s season concluded in a Class 3A-Region 4 sweep to Marion in a bidistrict series round.

Leading Tidehaven in all-district honors was Zach Garcia as the offensive most valuable player and Ritchie ZGarcia as the pitcher of the year. Earning first team for Tidehaven included infielder Clyde Griffith and outfielder Connor Claxton.

Tidehaven also saw success in powerlifting, led by Melanie Sepulveda, the champion of the Division 3-Region 4, who placed runner-up in the 105-pound weight class in the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Championships in Frisco.

Sepulveda entered the state meet seeded second with 660 pounds behind eventual champion Ryleigh Glenn of Elkhart. Sepulveda gained 20 pounds by lifting a total of 685, including a 10-pound increase in squat to 285. She also gained 10 pounds in her deadlift to finish with a 265.

Two other Tidehaven lifters placed third in their respective classes to help the Tigerettes tied for fourth as a team with 11 points.

Jehan Johnson finished with 795 pounds in the 132 class. The regional champion added 15 pounds to her overall total, adding 10 in the bench press.

In the 220-pound class, Tidehaven’s Makyla Paniagua was the other Tigerette to place third, finishing with 965 total pounds. She increased her total by 35 pounds. Her most significant gain was in the deadlift, with a 25-pound increase to 340 in the category.

Other Tidehaven lifters included Jayden Beard in the 97-pound weight class, finishing 12th with 330 pounds; and Makyla Patina placed 13th in the 123 class with 615 pounds lifted.

Wrapping up the spring sports was Mary Johnson in track and field.

Johnson qualified for the state meet by winning the girls high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 3 inches.

The sophomore nearly qualified in three events, beginning with a third-place distance of 18 feet, 5 3/4 inches in the long jump; a third-place time of 12.19 in the 100-meter dash; and crossed the finish line in 25.29 to place third in the 200 open.

At the state meet, Johnson had her best finish in the high jump, placing fourth with a height of 5 feet, 6 inches, topping her seeded mark of 5-3.

Johnson finished sixth in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, 6 1/4 inches, a measurement she got on her first jump. She placed eighth in 12.32 in the 100-meter dash. Johnson’s five points gave Tidehaven five points in the meet.

PALACIOS SHARKS

In 2021, Palacios suffered through a 1-9, 1-5 district season. The sole Shark victory last year was over Aransas Pass 44-7.

In 2022, the Sharks finished a better with a 2-8 record, with wins against Mathis, 42-22, and Aransas Pass, 48-6.

Palacios opened 2022 against Boling and dropped a 34-14 decision. One week later, the Sharks traveled to Ganado and suffered a 49-7 loss.

Palacios took on county rival Tidehaven and dropped a 4221 decision, but the game was tied at 21-all entering the fourth quarter of play.

Palacios returned 22 players to its varsity roster, including eight offensive and seven defensive starters.

Palacios saw success in the girls’ soccer season, with the Lady Sharks placing fourth in District 22-4A play with an 8-6 mark and 11-8-2 overall.

Emily Chapman led the Lady Sharks with eight goals and 38 shots on goal on the season. Sophomore Bethany Grones, Victoria Castanon and Rebecca Castanon each added three goals for Palacios.

Juliana Cordero was Palacios’ goalkeeper in 2023 and finished with 41 saves.

In track and field, Palacios’ Anthony White placed third in the triple jump with a lead of 453/4. He came in seeded fourth at 44- 7 1/2. White finished ninth in the long jump at 20-8 and placed eighth in the 400-meter dash in 50.91.

Numbers to know

BAY CITY

UTILITIES

WATER/SEWER, GARBAGE: City of Bay City

979-323-1659

ELECTRICITY:

Bay City, Texas 77404

979-245-8333

Matagorda County

Convention & Visitors Bureau

1-877-TRVLFUN

U.S. Post Office (77414)

1309 Baywood Drive

PALACIOS UTILITIES

WATER/SEWER, GARBAGE: City of Palacios Utility

Billing Department

361-972-3605

Palacios Municipal Court

361-972-3325

Palacios Airport

361-972-2400

City of Palacios

Economic Dev. Corp.

AEP

877-373-4858

CPL Retail Energy

866-322-5563

Jackson Electric

979-245-3029

TXU Energy

800-818-6132

Amigo Energy

888-469-2644

Gexa Energy

866-961-9399

Reliant Energy

866-222-7100

NATURAL GAS:

Bay City Gas Company

979-245-2327

TELEVISION:

Sparklight

888-863-9928

Dish Network

855-420-7177

Direct TV

888-976-2230

The Wireless Store

979-245-3330 or 866-798-3440

EMERGENCIES

Police

911 Bay City Police

979-245-8500

Matagorda Regional Medical Center

979-245-6383

Matagorda County EMS

979-244-0911

Matagorda County

Sheriff’s Office

979-245-5526

Bay City Fire Department

979-245-8313

Poison Control

800-222-1222

USEFUL INFORMATION

Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

President: Mitch Thames

201 Seventh St.

979-245-2051

Bay City Public Library

979-245-6931

Bay City Municipal Airport

979-244-5037

Parks and Recreation

979-323-1660

Bay City Community Development Corporation

979-245-8081

City Customer Service Department

979-323-1667

Bay City Public Works

979-245-2322

Municipal Court

979-245-0035

Matagorda County Museum

979-245-7502

Port of Bay City

979-245-5831

TAXI SERVICE

Jitney Taxi

979-245-5500

Jypsy~4~Jesus

979-244-9643

R-Transit

979-245-6800

NEWSPAPERS

Bay City Tribune

979-245-5555

Bay City Sentinel

979-323-9613

BLESSING

Markham Fire Department

979-843-5511

U.S. Post Office (77419)

800 FM 616 W, 361-588-6270

MATAGORDA

Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department

979-863-7581

ELECTRICITY: Central Power & Light

866-322-5563

AEP

877-373-4858

Jackson Electric Coop

361-771-4400

NATURAL GAS: CenterPoint Retail Energy

800-427-7142

TELEVISION:

Cable TV

866-532-3920

Coastal Media Solutions

361-972-9018

EMERGENCIES

Police

911

Palacios Police Department

361-972-3112

Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department

979-245-5526

Palacios Community Medical Center

361-972-2511

Palacios EMS

361-972-6589

Palacios Volunteer

Fire Department

361- 972-2121

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Palacios Chamber of Commerce

420 Main St.

Palacios, Texas 77465 Phone: 361- 972-2615

U.S. Post Office (77465)

700 Henderson Street

361-972-2213

Palacios Public Library

326 Main Street

361-972-3234

Palacios Taxi

361-972-2197

Palacios Recreations Assoc.

361-404-0356

361-972-3729

Mat. Co. Nav. Dist. 1

Harbor Master Office

361-972-5556

Mat. Co. (Pal.)

Seawall Com. Office

361-972-5012

Palacios Housing Authority

361-972-3721

Texas Marine Specialist Office

361-972-3828

Texas Marine Education Center

361-972-3774

Texas Marine Center College Offices

361-972-2442

Friends of Elder Citizens, Inc

361-972-2715

R-Transit

361-972-3390

Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall

361-972-3402

NEWSPAPERS

Palacios Beacon

361-972-3009

VAN VLECK

Van Vleck Volunteer Fire Department 979-245-4231

U.S. Post Office

(77482)

8901 Hwy. 35 N. 979-245-6421

Jackson Electric Co-op

6200 7th Street

979-245-3029

Ferrellgas 4405 7th Street

979-245-1766

MCWC (water)

221 7th Street V.V.

979-245-9461

Places to Stay

BAY CITY

Best Western Plus 501 7th St.

979-557-0678

Candlewood Suites

5800 7th St.

979-245-7500

Comfort Suites

5100 7th St.

979-245-9300

Days Inn 407 7th St.

979-244-5400

Economy Inn

6100 7th St.

979-245-6333

Executive Inn

3620 7th St.

979-244-5900

Express Inn

905 Ave. F

979-245-1751

Fairfield Inn & Suites

515 7th St.

979-323-9191

Hampton Inn & Suites

4617 7th St.

979-245-7100

Happy Bay Hotel & Banquet Hall

101 7th St.

979-245-0985

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

5618 7th St.

979-244-3333

Island Inn & Suites

3620 7th St.

979-244-5900

La Quinta Inn & Suites

5300 7th St.

979-323-9095

Paradise Inn

3501 7th St.

979-245-8308

Regency Inn & Suites

3712 7th St.

979-245-5115

Scottish Inns & Suites

5525 7th St.

979-551-0690

South Texas Inn

1121 Ave. F

979-244-1432

Starland Motel

5409 7th St.

979-245-4811

Studio 6 5511 7th St.

979-244-2400

Super 8 920 Ave. F

979-323-9500

Townhouse Motel 1712 Ave. F

979-245-9460

60 North RV Park 501 Ave. F

979-245-6605

Bert’s RV Park & Propane

1120 Texas 35 South

979-245-2840

Bay City Holiday RV Park

1803 Horn Road

979-245-1803

Bay City Riverside Park

7330 FM 2668

979-245-0340

Travelers Paradise RV Park

2517 Nichols

979-244-2344

Corral RV Park

172 PR 555

979-479-5757

Nile Valley RV Park

3517 FM 2668

979-318-9717

BLESSING

Hotel Blessing 128 10th St. 361-588-9579

Wheaton’s Chaparral RV Park 10th at Pecan St. 361-404-1925

MARKHAM

Markham RV Park 406 FM 1468

979-318-1517

MATAGORDA

Fisherman’s Motel & RV

40 Fisher St.

979-863-0000

Full Stringer Realty & Rentals

258 Fisher St.

979-863-1143

JJB Cabins Rental

40 Cook Camp Road

979-479-0478

Stanley-Fisher House Bed & Breakfast

107 St. Mary’s St.

979-863-2920

The Lodge at Karankawa

Village 22996 Highway 60

979-863-7737

High Tide RV Park & Boat

Storage

604 Fisher Street

979-627-3756

713-498-8469

Lighthouse RV Park

18411 Texas 60 South

979-863-7773

Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park

855-392-7638

Matagorda Saltgrass Lodge

721 Ingram St.

979-240-3614

Pelican Point RV and Boat

Slips

498 Mary St.

979-316-6660

Seabird RV Park

700 Center St.

979-863-7229

Shell Motel

778 Market St.

979-863-1000

Sliva RV Park

750 CR 251

979-885-9484

Westwood Inn

23082 State Hwy 60 S

979-426-5300

MIDFIELD

Bay Prairie Lodge

4029 Hwy 71

361-588-6565

Mitchfield RV Park

542 4th St.

361-588-6677

Prairie Rose RV Park

Hwy 71 at 4th St. 979-240-6022

PALACIOS

Deluxe Inn

1505 1st St.

361-972-2547

Laughing Gull Retreat

508 S Bay Blvd.

512-417-8723

Peaceful Pelican 317 E Bay Blvd.

361-972-0317

Sunrise Retreat

1801 Petersen

361-550-5552

Texas Coastal Properties

215 5th St.

361-972-5900

Bay Front RV Park & Boat

Storage

900 1st St.

361-218-8688

East Bayshore RV Park

326 E Bayshore Dr

361-972-6401

Serendipity Bay RV Resort

1001 Main St

361-972-5454

SARGENT

Caney Y Realty & Rentals

2200 CR 201

979-244-4910

Fish Tail Inn

26274 FM 457

979-244-1300

Botkin’s Pelican RV Park

26160 FM 457

979-323-7054

Caney Creek RV Park

108 Socha Rd.

979-245-4735

Holloway’s Sargent RV Park

399 CR 201

713-542-1210

Kast – Away RV

166 PR 676

832-643-0576

Sargent Coastal Living RV Park

162 CR 283

979-877-5084

Sargent Shores RV Park

2237 CR 299

979-318-2450

VAN VLECK

Custom Touch Village Lodges

12725 State Hwy 35 N.

979-244-4205

Sugar Valley RV & Country Store

10833 SH 35N

979-323-8000

WADSWORTH

Tony’s RV Park

6th & C St.

979-236-3442