Fullen Meets with Locals to Discuss Jeep Weekend

By Max Roemer

  On June 3, 2025, Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen hosted a meeting at Jose’s Cantina in Crystal Beach to address the 2025 Jeep Weekend’s law enforcement activities on Bolivar Peninsula and its beaches. And, its effect on local businesses and residents alike.

 Sheriff Fullen stated that in conjunction with outside law enforcement entities, such as Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, Houston Police Department, and GDPS, over 500 law enforcement officers patrolled Bolivar Peninsula between Thursday and Sunday of Jeep Weekend. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office alone made 198 arrests, and 267 arrests were made in total when considering all outside law enforcement entities and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.

  The Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety made commitments to Sheriff Fullen to provide first responders to assist on Jeep Weekend at no cost to Galveston County. Sheriff Fullen stated that Galveston County and the Houston Police Department have mutual commitments to one another to aid each other as needed at no cost to the other.

  Let’s review vital statistics from this year’s Jeep Weekend compared to the past Jeep Weekends and we want you to decide if this year’s Jeep Weekend’s law enforcement presence and actions were too little, too much, or just right. During this year’s 2025 Jeep Weekend on Bolivar Peninsula, there were 996 traffic stops. In 2024, during Jeep Weekend there were 488 traffic stops. The traffic stops increased by 104% in comparison to 2024.

  In a whopping show of force, 2025 Jeep Weekend saw 267 arrests. These arrests included 40 felony arrests, 218 misdemeanor arrests, and 9 Class C arrests. The top 5 2025 arrests by nature from most to least included 35 arrests for possession of drug paraphernalia, 18 possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces arrests, 17 no driver’s license arrests, 14 no seat belt (passenger) arrests, and 12 possession of a controlled substance arrests.

  Sheriff Fullen announced that 42 firearms were apprehended during Jeep Weekend. Fullen stated that a “mass gathering permit” is required for gatherings over 250 people. As so much of the beach was closed to vehicles and side-by-sides, many citizens argued that they had a right to access and use the beach peacefully, but Fullen and his deputies disagreed. Sergeant H. Porretto stated to The Seabreeze Beacon that driving is not a right nor a guarantee. Porretto came across this dilemma several times on Jeep Weekend.

  Galveston County Sheriff’s Office set up a roadblock in Crystal Beach at Rollover Pass. Not only are people questioning its legality, but there have also been many complaints of people waiting hours to pass through the roadblock. Under our state constitution, roadblocks are entirely legal.

 When asked by the Seabreeze Beacon if passengers inside a vehicle are obligated to identify themselves, Fullen went on the record and said no. Yet, there are rumors that law enforcement officers were requiring everyone of age in the vehicle to present their IDs. And, that those providing their IDs were being called in to dispatch for review and to search for outstanding warrants and other crimes.

  Sheriff Fullen stated that his department is still calculating the cost for Jeep Weekend. Forget the cost in dollars, many are asking what the cost to our freedom and liberties was over the weekend that are guaranteed by both the national and state constitutions while policing the peninsula. Fullen tried to assure the attendees that no rights were taken away or stepped on over Jeep Weekend. But, person after person are going to social media to share their horror stories with law enforcement. For example, a mother and her two young children were walking to the beach carrying folding camping chairs. Not 1, but 2 police cruisers, swarmed her and her children saying that there is no camping on the beach. And, that if she sits in one of the chairs that will be considered as camping and she will be arrested. To her disappointment, she and her two children left the beach and went back home. Many say that the road-block line was far too long and took hours to pass. And many say that the roadblock itself was being held by “heavy handed” law enforcement officers. Many thank the law enforcement officers for their service to the peninsula, yet there have rightfully been serious concerns.

  Unfortunately, almost all businesses closed over Jeep Weekend as they haven’t been able to control rowdy crowds in the past. Said businesses lost tens of thousands of dollars in sales simply because they are trying to stay safe. Although Fullen stated that next year most likely won’t have over 500 law enforcement officers like this year, there should be enough for business to be open and operate peacefully.

  There have been talks by upset people that Bolivar Peninsula ought to be boycotted especially during Jeep Weekend. Some say all events this summer on the peninsula ought to be boycotted.

 These actions will not hurt law enforcement agencies, but they certainly will hurt local businesses whom no one says are at fault for illegal behaviors occurring over Jeep Weekend.

 There is a lot to think about when considering Jeep Weekend for 2026. Sheriff Fullen held this meeting to address those concerns and to demonstrate the safety precautions  his department and others implemented this year and to promise a peaceful Jeep Weekend for next year and years to come.

  Please contact [email protected] with any comments or concerns. Or, to share your stories from this year’s Jeep Weekend.