Read Blog

Read Blog
July 4 Road Closures

°

Homepage / Houston News
Text Size

Galveston Suspends 'Look And Leave'

POSTED: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
UPDATED: 5:27 am CDT September 17, 2008

Galveston officials suspended the "Look and Leave" program for the island, effectively immediately, hours after it began, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.


Look And Leave Program Suddenly Suspended:
Ryan Korsgard Reports

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas initiated the program at noon to allow residents and business owners go back to the island city to see their damage firsthand.

However, the program was suspended indefinitely shortly before 6 p.m.

Officials said a news conference will be held Wednesday at noon to elaborate.

"The city of Galveston is in a dilemma," City Manager Steve LeBlanc said. "We really can't support the public coming back. At the same time the public wants to come back to check out what's happened to their property and that is why we have the look and leave policy."

During the initial "look and leave" program, residents, business owners and insurance agents were allowed to visit the island between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Those who remained on the island past 6 p.m. would be fined $2,000.

Credentials were checked at the base of the causeway. Anyone entering the island must show their driver's license or a water bill as proof they reside on the island or photo identification that shows employment on the island or with an insurance company.

The city does not have any medical facilities available. The island does not have water, sewer, electricity or natural gas. There is no fuel or fuel available and no retail stores are open. There are also no auto or tire repair services.

"We have no cell phone service. We have no satellite service. We have no Internet," Thomas said.

Thomas said she relayed her concerns to President George W. Bush when he toured the area on Tuesday and he made it a priority to have communications restored.

The state is providing transportation for residents who rode out the storm on the island and want to leave. Anyone wanting to leave can go to the island community center to register and sign up for transitional housing.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Staging is vitally important when selling your home. These helpful hints will turn your problem rooms into buyer bait. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Everyone is trying to save a little cash these days, and one way to do it is by having an easy to insure car. Check out 20 cars that can save you money. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideosClick to Expand

    • Gas Tanker Rip-Offs Caught On Tape

      July 3, 2009: A gasoline tanker scam is broken up with three arrests after undercover Houston police officers tail a semi with video cameras. Stephen Dean reports.

    • Teen Found Dead In Closet

      July 3, 2009: A father finds his daughter dead inside a closet in their northwest Harris County home. Ryan Korsgard reports.

    • 16-Year-Old Arrested After Chase

      July 3, 2009: Two police cars crash during an 18-mile chase that results in a teenager's arrest. Mariza Reyes reports.

    • Man Charged In Funeral Home Shooting

      Richard Earl ToussiantJuly 3, 2009: A man is wanted after he allegedly fatally shot a man at a visitation for a deceased child. Mary Benton reports.

    • Light Show Displays Patriotism

      July 3, 2009: A Baytown man is putting on a patriotic show at his home to spread some cheer. Ryan Korsgard reports.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Faces Of Michael Jackson

      Michael JacksonWhatever the reason, Michael Jackson's face underwent changes from the time he first hit the music scene in 1969 until his death.

    • Musicians Who Died Before Their Time

      Michael Jackson is one of many musicians who died before their time. Take a look at some of the other rockers who suffered premature deaths.