Associated Press writers Jim Vertuno and Jay Root in Austin , Eileen Sullivan in Washington , Schuyler Dixon and Paul Weber in Dallas , John Porretto , Monica Rhor and Pauline Arrillaga in Houston , Michael Kunzelman in Lake Charles , La . , Brian Skoloff in West Palm Beach , Fla . , Andre Coe in College Station , and Allen G. Breed and video journalist Rich Matthews in Surfside Beach also contributed .