SURFSIDE BEACH

The water at some Houston area beaches is contaminated with fecal matter more often than not, according to a new report published by Environment America.

Recently we have reported on heart-breaking drownings off our coast which prompted this plea from the Surfside Beach tourism specialist: We are asking if you would add us to your weather report on the news. When you report dangerous rip currents, can you also mention Surfside? We are just miles from Galveston and have the same water conditions each day.

Here are things to know for Monday, May 3:

The Coast Guard has called off the search for a U.S. Air Force member who disappeared near Surfside Beach Sunday. Crews have been out for hours trying to find Elijah Posana, 22.

Angela Morel Graham knows nothing could bring the love of her life back, but as she grieves and makes funeral arrangements, she’s hoping her pain can spread awareness about rip currents and possibly save someone else’s life.

SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas – Johnny McGee, 67, of Pasadena is an avid surfer. On Saturday, during the height of Hurricane Hanna, he helped rescue two teen girls from the water at Surfside Beach in Brazoria County. That’s when he saw the two girls, ages 17 and 18, screaming for help in the water. Another surfer came out into the water and took one of the girls. “Surfers know through experience (if) you go underwater, (you should) relax relax relax.

Brazoria county leaders closed Surfside Beach ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna down the Texas coast. So we got to go home,” said Nizar Bechnati, who was visiting the beach. We had to get out of here,” said Abeni Ojo, who was also visiting the beach. It was much of the same at Jamaica Beach, where flags whipped in the wind and waves crashed along the shoreline. While Hanna’s target appears to be elsewhere, for now, the storm is also a reminder of how busy the hurricane season can be.

HOUSTON Brazoria County has put restrictions in place for island access on Independence Day weekend, starting on Saturday through Monday. Judge Matt Sebesta has closed island access from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Quintana/Bryan Beach, Folletts Island, and Surfside Beach. Residents and beach house rentals, as well as RV campgrounds rentals will be allowed access with proof of residency or rental. If an unsafe capacity on the islands is reached prior to 11 a.m., the access time could change, according to the judges office. A news release reads, This access closure is to ensure emergency management and first responder resources can access the beach areas if an emergency arises.

Check out the list below and get to know the lesser known beaches that are just a drive away from Houston. Surfside BeachDistance from Houston: 67.1 milesThe big advantage between Galveston’s beaches and Surfside Beach is the free parking. It is also not overrun by tourists and you can see mostly local action on the shores, according to Only In Your State. Terramar BeachDistance from Houston: 66 milesTerramar Beach is a small Galveston community that allows the public to access their beaches, located 17 miles from 61st Street. Know of any other less known beaches that are worth the drive from Houston?

HOUSTON – Surfside Beach was busy with visitors Saturday. The majority of the people seem not to be respecting social distancing guidelines or didn’t wear a face mask or covering. Surfside Beach is located near Freeport, in Brazoria County, which has encouraged residents to wear a face covering when out in public, but it is not mandated. On April 7, Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta ordered the temporary closures to county parks, including Quintana Park and Stephen F. Austin Park. As of Saturday, Brazoria County has reported 573 COVID-19 cases, including three people who have died from coronavirus-related complications, according to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard.

FREEPORT, Texas (KTRK) -- The Coast Guard has ended its search for a person reported missing in the water off Surfside Beach in Freeport.They say a concerned beachgoer told them two people on a grey pool float were struggling to make it back to shore.Brazoria County Sheriff's deputies were able to confirm with other beachgoers that only one person was reportedly seen using the float.A Coast Guard helicopter crew along with a small boat crew found a pool float matching the description of the initial report.The Coast Guard Air Station Houston and Station Freeport along with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office were all involved in the search.

FREEPORT, Texas (KTRK) -- The Coast Guard has ended its search for a person reported missing in the water off Surfside Beach in Freeport.They say a concerned beachgoer told them two people on a grey pool float were struggling to make it back to shore.Brazoria County Sheriff's deputies were able to confirm with other beachgoers that only one person was reportedly seen using the float.A Coast Guard helicopter crew along with a small boat crew found a pool float matching the description of the initial report.The Coast Guard Air Station Houston and Station Freeport along with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office were all involved in the search.

FREEPORT, Texas (KTRK) -- The Coast Guard has ended its search for a person reported missing in the water off Surfside Beach in Freeport.They say a concerned beachgoer told them two people on a grey pool float were struggling to make it back to shore.Brazoria County Sheriff's deputies were able to confirm with other beachgoers that only one person was reportedly seen using the float.A Coast Guard helicopter crew along with a small boat crew found a pool float matching the description of the initial report.The Coast Guard Air Station Houston and Station Freeport along with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office were all involved in the search.