I hope you're having a great week and finding ways to stay cool! Honestly, I feel like this summer hasn't been too bad. The frequent rain has helped keep the temperatures in check, and for a while it almost felt like we were getting a break from the Texas summer heat.

Then the other day, I stepped outside and that familiar heat hit me. That's when I realized... summer is officially here! And if Texas has taught me anything over the last 16 years, it's that this is just the preheat setting. The real oven setting is still ahead of us.

I grew up in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, where rainy days were normal and towering evergreens kept everything cool. Summer looked and felt different there. Some of my favorite memories were spending hot summer afternoons at Lake Cushman with my sisters and friends. We'd drive the winding roads into the Olympic Mountains, and once the pavement ended, we'd slowly make our way down the dusty dirt roads, looking for the perfect place to swim. We'd climb down the steep cliffs to the crystal-clear mountain water below, and no matter how hot the day was, that first jump into the freezing cold lake would take your breath away. The water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom, and it always felt like we found our own little hidden paradise. Those are the summer memories I will never forget.

Life looks a little different these days. Instead of evergreen forests, we have palm trees and sea breezes. And instead of cool mountain water, we have Gulf Coast humidity!

Speaking of Texas, we're keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Bertha. While the current forecast doesn't call for a direct hit, we can possibly expect periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and the potential for localized flooding later this week. It's a great reminder to spend a few minutes preparing now.

Stay safe, stay cool, and as always, thanks for spending a little part of your week with Galveston Bay Buzz!

Tip: 🧊 Freeze a few bottles of water. They'll help keep your freezer cold if the power goes out—and you'll have drinking water once they thaw.

Armand Bayou Nature Center – One of the largest urban nature preserves in the U.S., offering hiking, pontoon boat tours, and native Texas wildlife.

Edgewater Observation Deck – A quiet overlook with beautiful views of Clear Lake that's perfect for sunrise, sunset, or watching boats.

Seabrook's Pelican Path – Hunt for dozens of colorful, larger-than-life pelican sculptures painted by local artists throughout Seabrook. It's a fun, free scavenger hunt for all ages.

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

My racecar runs on premium, and your support…Literally. If you’re loving this newsletter help keep me in the fast lane (not going too fast) and Fuel the Buzz!

I am not responsible for humidity, heat waves, or sudden mood swings.

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.

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

Jessica Johnson

Publisher/Founder