It’s still hard to believe five years have gone by since Hurricane Ike swept across our Peninsula, leaving such devastation and tearing our lives apart. Those of us who decided to evacuate, watched on with grief as we heard the news of the destruction. Some experienced awful conditions even at our evacuation points. Those who “rode out the storm” were lucky to have survived, and boy, do they have stories to tell!
All routes to the Peninsula were closed off for at least two weeks after the storm had passed. Some folks managed to come in on boats through the intracoastal or by the beach. How ever you made it over, the same feeling was felt by all, total dismay and a terrible sense of loss. Today, there are a few reminders here and there, some dilapidated houses, who stand defiantly against the battles they took. These places are bitter reminders of the ravage that took place. Those not standing are vacant lots, waiting to be sold or waiting to be rebuilt. Some were bought by the County and are known as BuyOut Lots.
There’s a new affluence to some of the new ones going up, and there are plenty of new ones! There’s no such thing as a little fishing cabin anymore. Non Bolivar residents are amazed at our progress and growth. They are happy to have their prime vacation spot on the upswing, thriving, glowing and available again. Let us never forget where we came from. We are Bolivar and we are Proud!
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Five Years since Hurricanes struck Texas
It has been five years since Hurricanes Dolly and Ike struck the Texas coast creating widespread damage. Many lives were lost and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed resulting in billions of dollars in insured losses. Despite projections for an above average number of hurricanes this year; thankfully, the predictions haven’t quite panned out. READ MORE
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When I visit Bolivar and see those “Shells of a Home” i think they serve as a good reminder–that nothing last forever…However what you all have done as a community should make you all proud–I remember looking on your website everyday, everyhour, hoping that my friends home in Caplen had survived, Only to see a ground photo showing the foundations of his home and gargage…Although I didn’t own any property in Bolivar I was depressed for months, knowing I had no retreat to go to every year. But with in a week Anne Willis had on the website that Bolivar will be back and bigger!!!!
and everyone of you saw that dream come true…Kudos to you all…You are truly Blessed to be living in a Little piece of Paradise–In such a Large state…
Anyone know of any plans for the house noted in the article? I know there are some struggling with next steps but after 5 years, curious if there is an update on this house and others that are still in disrepair.
Sad to see reminders of Hurricane Ike and wonder if there is anything the community can do to either assist with a positive outcome or help with clearing the property.