Galveston Bay Buzz!

Hello Bay Area, Houston! I hope y’all survived the crazy storm that blew through our area last weekend on Valentine’s Day, love and patio furniture were both in the air.

February is one of those months in Texas that feels like winter and spring at the same time. It’s powered by chocolate, weather swings, and a little bit of chaos. It’s also when citrus fruits, root vegetables, and hearty greens are in season, with February’s produce feeling quieter and more understated as it gently bridges the gap between winter and spring.

This weather reminds me of a recipe of mine that was published in a Taste of Home cookbook—Garlic-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. It’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that’s perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon dinner. This might be the only recipe you get out of me, because I cook with love and treat directions as suggestions.

This week I have the pleasure of sharing two photos from Clear Lake Fishing Report.

If you’re a local photographer and would like the opportunity to feature your local photos in an upcoming newsletter, please send them to [email protected].

We’d love to showcase your work!

Photo Credit: Clear Lake Fishing Report

Clear Lake & Beyond Spotlight

This spotlight was an easy choice. Right here in the Clear Lake/NASA area, Chef Machete is behind Gordo Niños, a New Age Mexican Fusion restaurant that’s been making waves. They are known for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in flavor, Gordo Niños delivers a menu that’s anything but ordinary. They earned Houston’s Best Taco People’s Choice award for seven consecutive years (2019–2025). That’s not luck, that’s consistency!! It’s also the home of Lean Sauce, a fan-favorite that keeps customers coming back for more.

Whether you’re already a regular or haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to check it out — especially with Chef Machete representing the Bay Area, Houston on Next Level Chef. If you’re not already a fan, now is the time to become one!

Clear Lake and Beyond Developments

There’s so much new happening in our area! Here’s a mix of updates I’ve already shared, and a few new ones you may not have seen yet.

Exploration Park (NASA Area)
A massive 200+ acre development has been underway next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, bringing research labs, offices, and advanced manufacturing spaces focused on aerospace and technology. This project is expected to include 20+ buildings and over 1 million square feet of space, with completion being targeted this year.

Margaritaville Transformation (NASA Parkway)
The former Hilton near NASA is being reimagined into a Margaritaville-style resort, complete with condos, expanded event space, and even a lazy river — bringing a resort-style vibe to the area. We are keeping our eyes on this project.

Flyway Entertainment District
Is an 80+ acre destination with dining, entertainment, boardwalk areas, and attractions anchored by Great Wolf Lodge is expanding the area’s entertainment scene.

Sunset Amphitheater (Flyway Development)
A massive 12,500-seat concert venue is coming to the Flyway district, bringing major concerts and events to the area.

HCA Clear Lake Hospital Expansion
HCA Clear Lake is expanding with a 132,000 sq. ft. addition, including more patient beds, ICU space, and modernized facilities. The completion is set for late 2026.

IKEA (Baybrook Area)
A new IKEA is set to open in summer 2026 near Baybrook Mall — finally giving the area its own location.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
A large entertainment complex with go-karts, games, and attractions will be opening in Webster near I-45 — expected to open Spring 2026.

New Restaurants & Dining Coming Soon

  • Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen

  • Gauchos Do Sul (Brazilian steakhouse)

  • The Rice Box (Chinese-American concept)

  • P. Terry’s Burger Stand

  • Ale & Ivy

Photo Credit: Clear Lake Fishing Report

Local Upcoming Events

Texas City Scavenger Hunt III 409 Protocol ends on April 9th.

Your mission -- should you choose to accept it -- will have you following clues, cracking codes and deciphering messages in search of the $500 prize.
Agents may pick up their Classified Field Packets at Interim City Hall (2000 Texas Ave) or at Moore Memorial Public Library next week.

Thursday, February 19th

Friday, February 20th

  • City of Texas City

    Father Daughter Dance

    • 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 2010 5th Ave N, Texas City

  • Hennessy Acoustic

    • 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 707 Highway 146, Kemah

  • Karaoke Night

    • 7:00pm to 10:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    Mr. Wonderful: The 80's Experience

    • 8:30pm to 12:00am

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

Saturday, February 21st

  • Kemah Boardwalk

    Porsche Car Show

    • 8:00am to 1:00pm

    • 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah

  • Schafer’s Coastal Bar And Grille

    Gumbo Cook-Off

    • 11:00am to 4:00pm

    • 1002 Aspen Rd, Clear Lake Shores

  • Barge 295

    Polar Plunge 2026

    • 2:00pm to 10:00pm

    • 1812 Larrabee St, Seabrook

  • City of Texas City

    Kyle Turner

    • 7:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 718 6th Street N, Texas City

  • SPX Band

    • 7:00pm to 11:00pm

    • 707 Highway 146, Kemah

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    Meaux Cotton & The Feel

    • 4:00pm to 6:00pm

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

Sunday, February 22nd

  • Aerial Yoga Class - $25

    • 10:00 - 11:15 AM and 11:30AM - 12:45PM

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    National Margarita Day

    • 11:00am to 10:00pm

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

  • Gilligan and Joe

    • 7:00pm to 11:00pm

    • 707 Highway 146, Kemah

Monday, February 23rd

Try a new local restaurant and support your neighbors.

Tuesday, February 24th

Wednesday, February 25th

  • New Horizon Free Weekly Networking Group

    • 12:00pm to 1:00pm

    • 2710 Gulf Freeway South, League City

  • Bryan Shayne

    • 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 707 Highway 146, Kemah

  • Trivia Night

    • 7:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

If you have a local event to share, send us the information. [email protected]

Farmers Market Guide

Follow us on social media for weekly updates on other local farmers markets.

Every Saturday

10am–2pm

Every Sunday

11am–3pm

2nd and 4th Saturdays

9am–2pm

Bay Area Houston Weekly Forecast 🐝

Wed, Feb 18: Warm and sunny — 78° / 62°
Thu, Feb 19: Partly cloudy, breezy — 75° / 60°
Fri, Feb 20: Mostly sunny and mild — 76° / 61°
Sat, Feb 21: Warm with increasing clouds — 77° / 63°
Sun, Feb 22: Cloudy with a chance of showers — 74° / 62°
Mon, Feb 23: Scattered showers, humid — 72° / 61°
Tue, Feb 24: Clearing skies, pleasant — 73° / 59°

Perfect for outdoor plans early in the week and cozy indoor vibes by the weekend.

Stay Local. Stay Connected.

Do you love local finds as much as we do? Follow us on social media and tag us in your favorite local spots for a chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter.

Spot construction or a new development? Sent us a message and we’ll dig up the details! Know a hometown person or business that deserves a spotlight? Send us the details! Have something you’d love to see each week? Send us your suggestions, and we’ll do our best to make it happen. 🐝[email protected]

Just remember, we’re only human, but we’ll do our best to make this your newsletter.

The Galveston Bay Buzz 🐝

Jessica Johnson

Publisher/Founder

Interested in advertising or sponsorship? Reach out—we’d love to chat. [email protected]

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