Thought you knew everything about Galveston? Think again. From year-round cruises to the revitalization of the Island's Downtown to ongoing beach renourishment, Galveston is always adding something new.  Contact Leah Cast, public relations manager for the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, for the best tips on what's new and exciting on the island. Meanwhile, take a look at a few important Galveston Island facts!

• Galveston Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles South of Houston.
• Galveston Island is a barrier reef island that averages 2 miles in width, offering 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches.
• Galveston Island offers temperate weather year-round, averaging 57°F in the winter months and 81°F in summer months.
• Galveston Island has four historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, which include The Strand National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking District and Central Business District. 
• Galveston Island is home to three National Historic Landmarks including the Tall Ship ELISSA, East End and The Strand and has approximately 1,500 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. 
• Galveston Island is home to Moody Gardens which includes a Rainforest Pyramid, IMAX 3D Theater, Palm Beach, Discovery Museum, Ridefilm Theater, Aquarium Pyramid and Colonel Paddlewheel.
• Galveston Island's Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers the world's first convertible waterpark and is the third waterpark in the Schlitterbahn family of Texas parks.
• Galveston Island has a host of museums and historic homes open to the public for tours, including the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum (Home of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame), Railroad Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, Ashton Villa, Bishop’s Palace, and Moody Mansion.
• Galveston Island’s Strand National Historic Landmark District/Downtown area offers a host of shops, restaurants and art galleries conveniently located within 36 square blocks.
• Galveston Island was second only to Ellis Island as an immigration station.
• Galveston has the second largest historic preservation group in the nation.  The Galveston Historical Foundation celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1996.
• Galveston Island is home to the University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University at Galveston.

From Blog.Galveston.com

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:19:57 +0000 Citizens Police Academy Starts Feb. 9th! Join Now! It’s not too late to join the Galveston Police Department’s 28th Citizens Police Academy. If you are at least 18 years of age, live or work in the City of Galveston, and would like to better understand how the police department serves the community, this is your chance to find out! This is free program begins this Thursday! Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:51:36 +0000 Island’s Disaster Housing Program Transitions to New Management The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has announced the City of Galveston’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Round 1 Disaster Recovery Housing Program will now be under the management of URS Corporation. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:31:14 +0000 Celebrate Mardi Gras! Galveston Starting February 10! Galveston welcomes revelers to the Island for the 101st celebration of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Events will run February 10 – 21 this year. Five masked balls, 19 balcony parties, 24 parades, and 26 concerts including headliners Hot Chelle Rae highlight the elaborate festivities! Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:35:15 +0000 Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon Returns this Sunday, February 5th This weekend, Galveston Island welcomes area athletes competing in the Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, February 5. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:28:50 +0000 Construction on Holiday Drive to Begin Monday February 6 On Monday, February 6, crews will begin demolishing the east side of Holiday Drive between Harborside Drive and Albacore Avenue to install a new waterline to Pelican Island. Vehicular access to Mackerel, Tuna, and Barracuda Streets from Holiday Drive will be temporarily blocked Monday, February 6, through Friday, February 10. Signage detouring drivers to alternate access routes is already in place.

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