Profiles 2012

Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Island native Tilman Fertitta is The Daily News' 2012 Citizen of the Year. Fertitta is the owner of Landry’s conglomerate and its 500 locations, including 402 restaurants, as well as the retail outlets and smaller venues the company operates across the country. See the full story below.

Communities

League City a place with shady oaks, friendly folks

League City is known for "shady oaks and friendly folks," one longtime resident said. Even though the population has doubled in the last 10 years, the city still has a quiet, small-town feel.

Friendswood considered one of the best places to live
Kemah offers boardwalk, restaurants and rides
La Marque home to champions
Grab a fishing pole or picnic basket in Dickinson
Island continues to flourish after tragic past
Hitchcock offers country charm
Fishing a big part of San Leon, Bacliff, Bayshore
Texas City known for industrial economy, rich history
Peninsula offers beaches, bird watching, fishing
Santa Fe: Country town with booming population

Business and Work

Outlet mall a game-changer for Texas City

Texas City is best known for oil refineries and chemical plants. That's likely to change by the fall next year, however, with the arrival of the 90-store Tanger Outlet Center.

Local shops help boost area economy
Businesses keep up with changing tides
Businessman supersizes success with franchises
Former engineer finds niche in Subway ownership
Schlotzsky's ownership a blessing in many ways
Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar eyes expansion
'Word of mouth' part of mechanic shop's longevity

Education

Medical uncertainty leads to quest to be doctor

As a college freshman in Louisiana, Robin E. Williams faced a medical uncertainty. A breast tumor that ultimately vanished led her on a quest to find answers to life’s mysteries by becoming a doctor.

TAMUG looking forward to the next 50 years
Meet the Teach: Betzabeth Corral
Meet the Teach: Mindi Garcia
Meet the Teach: Patricia Teltschik
Meet the Teach: Cathy Tindall
Meet the Teach: Steven A. Lieberman
Meet the Teach: Nicole Morales
Meet the Teach: Esther Sjostrom
Meet the Teach: Daron Scott
Meet the Teach: Rachael Shimek
Meet the Teach: M. Theron Waddell Jr.
Meet the Teach: Heather Nielson

Health

Plastic surgery out of the taboo closet

In Galveston County and across the nation, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are becoming about as mainstream and routine as going to the dentist. Attitudes and perceptions about plastic surgery have changed.

Cosmetic dentistry helps with more than just teeth
Supplements: The good, the bad and the useless
Vaccines: They’re not just for kids

Entertainment