Crystal Beach recovery picks up pace

Crystal clear: Hurricane Ike recovery on Crystal Beach is moving faster than even optimists had predicted. About 750 of the nearly 3,000 houses destroyed on Bolivar Peninsula have been or are being rebuilt, reports Anne Willis broker/owner Swede’s Real Estate.

The vacation rental market also is on the mend. Before the September 2008 storm, Swede’s managed about 300 beach houses. About 80 have been repaired and are back in the rental pool, Willis said.

“I’m even surprised by how fast it’s coming along,” said Willis, who returned to her 2840 state Highway 87 office this week.

Happy returns: Meanwhile, more businesses are returning or opening new offices on the peninsula. McCoy’s Building Supply, attorneys Mary Beth Nelson and Jim Vratis, along with Bruce Flitter Building and Keller Williams Real Estate all have opened in a repaired building on state Highway 87 near the water tower. Although McCoy’s is not selling supplies from the peninsula, employees at the office are taking orders. Finally, Cobb Real Estate, 2290 state Highway 87, marked its return with a ribbon-cutting Wednesday.

What’s that? The fenced area that looks like a small parking lot between Mainland Medical Center and Palmer Highway in Texas City is a staging site for the Texas Department of Transportation, which this month will begin a $10.5 million project to build the Willow Drive overpass on FM 1764. Crews have moved an office trailer to the site, 6803 FM 1764. The bridge project is expected to take about a year to complete, officials said.

And that? Some island weekenders who enjoy their morning coffee while parked along the Ship Channel on East Beach want to know about all the construction equipment and a large fenced area that appears to be for a project near their favorite spot. But city officials and even members of the Galveston Park Board, which oversees island parks, were stumped by the question.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has jurisdiction over most beach development, on Wednesday said she would have to look into it. Stay tuned.

Fast lane: This shows some drive. McRee Ford, 2800 Interstate 45 in Dickinson, is joining a small fleet of area dealers who say they can assist previous customers of the newly closed Texas City Lincoln-Mercury with warranty and maintenance needs. McRee’s Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center is equipped to perform maintenance and light repairs on all makes and models, managers said.

Marina makeover: West End resident John Turner has bought the former Bayview Marina, 21706 Burnet Drive in Sea Isle, out of foreclosure. Turner plans to make significant improvements to the marina’s 50 slips, electrical system and plumbing, he said.

He also said he plans to add a much-needed fueling station for boats. Turner, in the oil and gas industry, bought the marina after tiring of its rundown condition, he said. It’s possible he’ll return a general store to the marina. The marina is home to Avery’s Bayside Cafe, which is open.

Turner plans to call his new acquisition West End Marina. Stay tuned.

Sharing space: Looks like Right at Home is right at home in its new space, 1122 45th St. on the island. Right at Home offers companion care and personal care services to the elderly or disabled.

For information, call 409-740-7400.

Right at Home is sharing a building with Knapp Flower Shop. Knapp’s workshop, refrigeration and loading dock is in back. For information, call 409-763-8581.

Opening day: Look for Santa Fe Seafood and Grill, FM 1764 and state Highway 6, to open at 11 a.m. Tuesday. On opening day, the eatery will discount each ticket by 10 percent. Also look for the restaurant to offer a free egg roll — one per customer — for a limited time.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. We welcome your tips and suggestions. Call 409-683-5248 or e-mail laura.elder(at)galvnews.com.