The Visit Galveston tourism organization responded to TNT’s Charles Barkley and his feud with Galveston after he claimed the city had "dirty ass water," as "a bunch of shots" directed at Barkley have “started popping up all around the area,” according to TMZ. One of the Outfront billboards read: "Hey Charles, come on down -- water's fine!" Another read, "Our water is cleaner than your golf swing.” One more read, "You've never turned down any of our great food." The billboards are “signed, ‘Love, Galveston,’” but it is a “mystery who actually funded the campaign” (TMZ, 5/2). In Galveston, Myrian Orea wrote tourism officials were chalking Barkley's feud with the city "all up to ‘good fun,’” noting Galveston's island is "more than beaches and appreciating the attention Barkley’s comments generated for the historic seaport city.” With the comments, Barkley “waded off into an age-old argument about the color and quality of water off Galveston’s beaches" and "kicked a sore spot for many islanders” (GALVESTON COUNTY DAILY NEWS, 4/30).
