JAMAICA BEACH, Texas -- Homeowners in the west Galveston Island community of Jamaica Beach can go home to get a look at what damage Ike wrought on their houses. For now though, the only way home is by water.

Galveston County Daily News

“If our citizens can get to Jamaica Beach, we are ready to have them back,” said Mayor Vic Pierson. “We're as frustrated as our citizens. We want our citizens to come back and be able to see their homes.”

Getting to Jamaica Beach by car, though, requires driving through Galveston or coming by way of Surfside in Brazoria County. Both cities either are barring entrance or are impassable.

Jamaica Beach is wedged between the city of Galveston and the unincorporated parts of Galveston County that extend to the San Luis Pass Bridge.

Pierson attempted to get Galveston officials to agree to a Jamaica Beach residents-only look and leave policy, to no avail.

“We respect their decision, they have other considerations on the West End,” said Pierson.

Galveston officials are not allowing any residents to return. A look and leave policy attempt earlier in the week failed miserably when a rush of traffic snarled cars on the freeway and prevented electric company trucks from making it to the island to restore power.

When that policy went away, so did the chance for Jamaica Beach residents to get home. Pierson, though, is encouraging residents to come by boat if they can to get a look at their homes.

“That way they don't have to go through any other jurisdiction,” said Pierson.

Even those who do return won't be able to stay, the mayor said. City services of electric and water won't return until the later part of October at the earliest.

Property is being protected, however, said Pierson. The city has around the clock protection by water and by land.

Thus far, there have no been no instances of looting, said Pierson.