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News from the
Past
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Prior Years |
Select the year for archived news from
2004.
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News and Events from 2005 |
January 2005
South Padre Blood Drive
Polar Bear’s Enjoy
Blue Sky
Cold Weather Could Strand Sea
Turtles
New Committee to
be Created
Christmas Grant for South Padre
Island
Welcome: The
Shores
Firefighter Testing January 2005
Public Opinion
Survey - Medical-Healthcare Facilities
Beaches to be
Nourished
February 2005
Notice of
February Bond
Election
241 Residents Cast Early Votes on New
City Hall
Beach Project
Complete
Beachcomber -
February Newsletter
Notice of Public
Auction
Bond
Election Passes
Winter Texan Fish Fry
Eighth
Annual Winter Texan Beach Cleanup
Sea Turtle Identification
Nelessen-Public Presentation and
Discussion
March 2005
Firefighter Testing Feb. 28th.
Mayor
Pinkerton Dedicates Arbor Month Tree
Farewell, Judge Tenison
Application
Deadline - March 7th.
Renowned
“Turtle Lady”, Ila Loetscher,
selected to Walk of Fame
Town Committees Needs Members
SPI Sponsored
Racing - March 18th.
Spring Break is here.....
SPI Code Enforcement Officer’s Earn Additional
Credentials
Heimlich Posters Available
Friday Night
Fireworks
Lower Laguna Madre Coastal Clean Up & Restoration
April 2005
SPITS Receives Donation for Skateboard Park
Mayor Welcomes
Marines
Town
Appoints New Committee Members
Board of Alderman Hopefuls Draw for Places on the Ballot
Golden Knights Honor SPI City
Officials
SPI Sponsored
NASCAR Truck Races This Saturday
New Beach Access
Nears Completion
South Padre Island wins lawsuit
Rio Transit Connects South Padre
Island to Brownsville
RFQ FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
MEET SPI NASCAR CRAFTSMAN DRIVER STEVE PARK
Steve Park Visits SPI
South Padre Island’s “Outdoors”
Attracts Travel Writers
Free Local Guide to Growing Trees Available
Texas
Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup
Aldermen
Proclaim April 2005 “Ila Loetscher Month”
Team SPI is Honored by SPI Board of Aldermen
Steve Park Races
Saturday, April 30th
May 2005
Texas
Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup
Board of Aldermen Election Saturday, May 7th
Park Finishes 13th at
Dodge Ram Tough 200
Success Center Kids Put In “Sweat Equity”
SPI Aldermen Approve 2004 Financial
Audit
UNOFFICIAL TABULATION OF PRECINCT 52 AND EARLY VOTING
RESULTS
Landfill Taskforce to Organize
Steve Park Races Sunday, May 15th.
Convention Centre Opens ‘Corridor Gallery’
Lefty Moves to New Jersey
SPI Town Hall Meetings
Local
and Regional Healthcare
Regards/Congratulations
Quaker Steak & Lube 200
Lower Rio Grande Valley Power Squadron
SPI Emergency & Medical Services Public Information
Seminar
Summer Fireworks Tradition
Memorial Day Holiday
ALL RESIDENTS OF
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
SPI BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
June 2005
2005 Hurricane Season Outlook
Members Needed For Taskforce
FREE Public Health Information And Educational
Workshop/FREE lung Tests
SPI’s Park Races This Friday At Texas Motor Speedway
Former Alderman
Ghilain Passes Away
Sea Turtle Release
To Celebrate “World Ocean Day,” June 8th
Red Cross Blood
Drive
National Men's Health Week
Fire Chief
Clifford Rowell Marks 20 Years With SPI
Time Warner Cable To Host Reception
on June 30
July 2005
Enjoy Fireworks Over the Bay!
SPI Chamber Ribbon Cutting/Mixer with
TIME WARNER CABLE
SPI Public Works
Jumps On Drainage Projects
South Padre Island Receives Top Restored Beach Award
Hurricane Cleanup
Dust Cloud May
Approach SPI
Healthcare Survey
Cameron County Puts
Landfill Information On Their Website
24th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament
Street Paving
Project Complete
August 2005
Town’s 2005-2006 Budget
Underway
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Duel of The Dunes
Upcoming
Town of South Padre Island Committee Appointments
SPI School
District Committee Created
Southwest Airlines Lists SPI as
Featured Destination
Notice of Vote
on Tax Rate
Special Election - September 10
September 2005
Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup
Special Election - Results
Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup and
Redfish Festival
Red Tide Levels
Increase
SPI
Beaches Closed
Keep an Eye on the Storm
SPI Beaches Reopened
October 2005
Third Annual Cancer Walk For Women
Red Tide in
Extreme Levels
CVB-Proposed
Reorganization
Bay Cleanup Effort Seeks Volunteers
Use Candles with
Care
Red Tide
- Levels Continue to Drop
SPI to Race in
Atlanta
SPI Says Goodbye
to Red Tide
A Beautiful Day
in the Neighborhood
November 2005
Nov. 8 - Texas
Election Day
Singing,
Sandcastles, Specials and more......
Holiday Parade
2005
Emergency Brochures
December 2005
Toys For Tots
Santa Claus
Weekend Draws Crowds
Board of
Aldermen Meeting Rescheduled
Christmas Carols
Sung by Garriga Elementary
Polar Bear Dip -
Jan. 1
Alice and Jerry
Hanson Day
Happy Holidays |
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Red Cross Blood Drive Successful
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According to Mr. Jeff Noto, of the
American Red Cross, the January 17th
Blood Drive at the Club Padre was a success.
25 people signed in, 4 were turned away, 1 half
pint, and 20 good units were collected. Mr. Noto
added,
“We’d love to come out and do it with you guys a
couple times a year.”

Pictured are Joe Bailey, from Missouri, with
Nurse Nancy Rodriguez, and his wife Sandy with
Nurse Valentine Vasquez.
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Polar Bear’s Enjoy
Blue Sky |
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After
our icy Christmas, the South Padre Island Polar Bear’s
enjoyed warm temperatures and blue skies during their
annual New Year’s Day dip in the Gulf of Mexico. 
Approximately 235
Polar Bears took the plunge as dozens of bystanders
watched and cheered.
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Cold Weather Could Strand Sea Turtles |
Jim White with The Coastal Studies Lab at the University
of Texas Pan Am has issued an alert for the potential
for an increase in sea turtle stranding due to the
upcoming cold front event.
More........
Sea Turtle Update
There are 17 sea turtles receiving supportive
care at the Coastal Studies Laboratory. Although cold
shocked most are in fairly good shape.
More....
Rescued Sea Turtles Released
The UTPA Coastal Studies Laboratory assisted in the
release of 18 green sea turtles into the Gulf of
Mexico......
Read the full story.....
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New Committee to
be Created |
The Board of Aldermen are in the process of creating a
new committee. This committee, the
Comprehensive Health Care Clinic Committee will
assist the Board in analyzing the need for a year round,
24/7 Health Care facility on South Padre Island.
If you would like to serve on this very important
committee please fill out the
application form and submit it to City Secretary,
Town of South Padre Island, 4501 Padre Blvd.,
South Padre Island, Texas 78597.
Click here for the application form..... |
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Christmas Grant for South Padre
Island |
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On Wednesday, December 15th,
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced a new grant of
transportation funds for the Town of South Padre Island
that will enable important improvements to Park Road
100/South Padre Boulevard.
Read the full press release.....
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Welcome: The
Shores |
Welcome to the Town of South Padre
Island! At their recent monthly meeting the Board
of Aldermen finalized annexation of The Shores.
Read
the Mayors Welcome letter........... |
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Firefighter Testing January 2005 |
The Town of South Padre Island
is looking for quality recruits to join our team of
professional Firefighters.
The Town offers full-time
Firefighters a complete and competitive Compensation
Package.
We currently have 4 positions
available.
More.........
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Public Opinion
Survey - Medical-Healthcare Facilities |
The Board of Aldermen need your input. The Board
is seeking your opinion, via
survey, on the need for Medical-Healthcare
Facilities on South Padre Island. Please fill out
the survey and bring it to City Hall, 4501 Padre
Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas 78597.
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Beaches to be
Nourished |
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A Corps of Engineers maintenance dredging project will
benefit the beaches of South Padre Island. Routine
channel maintenance of the Brownsville Entrance Channel
will provide much needed sand that will be placed on the
beaches of South Padre Island. The project begins
Nov. 21 and will be completed around the beginning of
January 2005.
Click here
for details....
Click here for
pictures of the last channel project in 1997...
Recent
aerial photos of the current project show the ship
channel dredging operation and the resulting beach
development.
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Notice of
February Bond
Election |
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The Town of South Padre Island will hold an election
between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on Saturday,
February 5, 2005, in the Town for the purpose of
authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for
the constructing and equipping a new City Hall Complex.
The polling place for the election is Precinct 52, City
Hall, 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas,
78597.
What could the new complex
cost? What facilities will be included in the new
complex? How will a new City Hall help the
citizens of South Padre Island?
Please click here and read facts about the new City
Hall complex....
Please click here to read the
Assessment of Needs for a New City Hall...
For complete election details please read the following
documents Read the
Official Resolution calling for the election....
Read the
Notice of Bond Election - English version....
Read the
Notice of Bond Election - Spanish version....
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241 Residents Cast Early Votes on New
City Hall |
Read the latest press release .......
On Thursday, January 20, early voters began voting to issue
bonds to construct a new City Hall.
No tax rate increase
will be needed to support the bonds. The
polling place for the election is Precinct 52, City
Hall, 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas,
78597.
All
voters are urged to participate in this most
important election!
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Beach Project
Complete |
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A Corps of Engineers maintenance dredging project is
complete. The
benefit to the beaches of South Padre Island is
recognizable. Clean-up operations have begun.
Pipe removal should be complete by mid February.
Recent
aerial photos of the current project show the ship
channel dredging operation and the resulting beach
development.
It is anticipated the next maintenance project will take
place in the fall of 2006.
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Beachcomber -
February Newsletter |
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The February edition of the Town's newsletter, The
Beachcomber is available.
Top story in this edition - Bond Election
Residents of SPI vote in favor
of the construction of a new
City Hall.
Read the results......
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Notice of Public
Auction |
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On Saturday February 12th, the
Town of South Padre Island will hold a Public
Auction.
This auction will include vehicles, bicycles,
clothing, electronics, furniture and other items of
recovered and unclaimed property.
for details........
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Bond
Election Passes |
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By a voting margin of 302 to 256 the Town of South Padre Island will
build a new City Hall. "...this is an historic day
for the future of South Padre Island.", said Mayor
Robert N. Pinkerton Jr.

City Secretary, Joyce Adams announced the unofficial
results of the election.
Read the Mayors comments in the official press
release...

Election Judge, Pat Corcoran (seated above) and Election Clerks
(seated left to right), Lillian Ware,
Cindy Bradford and Alice Adwan.
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Winter Texan Fish Fry |
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On Saturday February 12th, the
Winter Texan Fish Fry will be held at
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
more.......
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Eighth
Annual Winter Texan Beach Cleanup |
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The Eighth Annual Winter Texan Beach Cleanup will be
held on Feb. 18th.
more.....
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Sea Turtle Identification |
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On
February 24th, Mr. Ben Rhame, a Sea Grant
Fellow, from the Coastal Resources Program of the
General Land Office, will speak to Island residents
about Sea Turtle identification.
The meeting will take place at Club Padre, 5800
Padre Boulevard, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. All
interested residents are invited to attend.
For
more information.....
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Public Presentation and
Discussion |
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On Thursday, Feb. 24th, at 5:30pm., Anton
Nelessen will present and discuss his research on
“What Americans Want”. This free public
presentation will be held at the Convention Centre.
A cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available.
On Friday, Feb. 25th,
Mr. Nelessen will conduct a 6 hour professional
development course on “New Urbanism, the SmartCode
and the Visual Preference Survey”. Participants
will receive 6 hrs of Continuing Education Credit
for this course.
More on the Public Presentation……
More on the Professional Development course……
Anton Nelessen biographical data…….
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Firefighter Testing Feb. 28th.
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The Town of South Padre Island (the Town) is looking
for quality recruits to join our team of
professional Firefighters. Being in a tourist
oriented environment and 20 million people crossing
the Queen Isabella Causeway annually along with
permanent residents make the Town a very unique and
diverse place to work.
For
Testing details please read .....
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Mayor
Pinkerton Dedicates Arbor Month Tree |
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On Friday, February
18th, in celebration of Arbor Month,
Mayor Robert (Bob) Pinkerton, Jr. dedicated a Yaupon
Pride of Houston tree on the Convention Centre
Grounds. more.....
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Farewell, Judge Tenison |
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Robert (Bob) McIntyre Tenison, 77, of South
Padre Island, Texas
passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 1st. He was born November
5, 1927 in Dallas, Texas and moved with his family
to South Padre Island in 1976.
Bob served as Municipal Court Judge for the Town of
South Padre Island from August 21, 1985 to June 15,
1988.
A
Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 5th,
at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1022
N. Yuma, Port Isabel, Texas, followed by a reception
and visitation with the family. Interment will be
later in Dallas.
The Mayor, Board of Aldermen and Staff of the Town
of South Padre Island join together in wishing our
warmest condolences to Bob’s family.
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Application Deadline - March 7th. |
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If you are interested in running for a position on
the Board of Aldermen the deadline for submitting an
Application for Place on Ballot is just around the
corner. Candidate Application Packets must be
picked up and returned to City Secretary, Town of South Padre Island,
4501 Padre Blvd., not later than 5:00pm Monday,
March 7th.
See the Candidate Election Calendar.....
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Renowned
“Turtle Lady”, Ila Loetscher,
selected to Walk of Fame
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Ila Loetscher, the “Turtle Lady” from
South Padre Island, has been selected to the
inaugural Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame.
As
part of the 2005 BorderFest Salute to the Rio Grande
Valley, The City of Hidalgo, BorderFest Association,
Hidalgo Chamber of Commerce and City of Hidalgo
Texas Municipal Facilities Corporation have decided
to create the Rio
Grande Valley
Walk of Fame at the Dodge Arena.
Read the official press release.....
Read a short biography of Ila Loetscher....... |
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Town Committees Needs Members |
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The
Ad Hoc Healthcare
Clinic Committee
and the
Development Plan Review Board
need to fill a vacancies.
If you would like to apply
for these open positions please
download the
Committee Application form,
fill it in and deliver it to City Secretary, Town of South Padre Island, 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas 78597.
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SPI Sponsored
Racing - March 18th.
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Friday, March 18th.,
South Padre Island sponsored NASCAR Craftsman Truck
driver Steve Park,
in his #62 Orleans Dodge, will compete in the World
Financial Group 200 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
www.atlantamotorspeedway.com Keep up with all of the NASCAR events by following
the
link at the top of this page.
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Spring Break is here..... |
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Spring Break on South Padre Island. Could you
ask for anything more? Do you know how to get
here, what to do while you are here or here to stay?
Check out the South Padre Island
Spring Break Guide at
www.springbreak.sopadre.com
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SPI Code Enforcement Officer’s Earn Additional
Credentials
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Recently, South Padre Island’s Code Enforcement
Officer’s have successfully taken and passed
rigorous courses and examinations. Enforcement
Officers Edgar Cruz, Gilbert Garza and Cipriano
Torres deserve our congratulations and
recognition for their hard work. Their
contributions to our community are invaluable.
Many thanks for all you do guys!
read
on........
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Heimlich Posters Available |
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Heimlich
Maneuver Posters are available at the City Health
Department, which is located in the South Padre
Island Public Works Office at 4405 Padre Blvd.
more.......
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Friday Night
Fireworks |

There will be a low-level fireworks display on
the bay front on Friday night April 1st.
It will commence between 8-9 p.m. The display is
for the Regional Chapter of the International
Fairs and Events Association.
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Lower Laguna Madre Coastal Clean Up & Restoration
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On
April 2nd, The Coastal Baywatch
Foundation is sponsoring its Lower Laguna Madre
Coastal Clean Up & Restoration. Pre-registered
volunteers and dozens of boats will be
assigned pick-up quadrants in the Laguna Madre
Bay. Clean up will also include marina dives and
street ends on Bayside. Tools and bags will be
provided. To participate please call the Coastal
Baywatch Foundation at 956-761-1663.
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SPITS Receives Donation for Skateboard Park |
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South Padre Island City Manager Dewey P.
Caswell Jr. (L) joins local
skateboarders
receiving a $1,500 donation on behalf of SPITS. The
donation was given by the Saturn Corporation and
will be used towards the construction of a
skateboard park on South Padre Island.
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Mayor
Welcomes Marines |
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Mayor
Robert N. Pinkerton, Jr. welcomes members of the 1st
Marine Regiment, 1st Division, 4th Battalion to
South Padre Island.
These Marine Officers were involved in the heavy fighting, in and around,
the battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Mayor
Pinkerton served in the Marines from 1965-1969 as a
S/Sgt.-E6. He was awarded a Silver Star and Purple
Heart for his service in Viet Nam.
Pictured (L-R) are Midshipman 1st Class Tyson S.
Stahl, 1st Lt. Hoot Stahl, Capt. Sean M. Roche,
Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton, Jr., 1st Lt. David C.
Lewis, 1st Lt. Chris B. Schickling, and 1st Lt. John
F. MacDonald. |
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Town
Appoints New Committee Members |
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On Wednesday, March 16th, The
South Padre Island Board of Aldermen appointed two
new committee members.
Marvin Herschberg was appointed to the Ad Hoc
Healthcare Committee and, Stormy Wall was appointed
to the Development Plan Review Board.
Read the full story... |
Board of Alderman Hopefuls Draw for Places on the Ballot
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Board of Alderman candidates were on hand Wednesday
morning at City Hall, to draw for positions on
the May 7th Board of Alderman ballot.
more.....
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Golden Knights
Honor SPI City Officials |
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The United States Army Golden Nights Parachute Team
honored South Padre Island Assistant City Manager and
Fire Chief Clifford Rowell, and
Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dan
Quandt.
Each was presented a baton, passed
in flight, in honor
of
their dedication and service to the community. The
Golden Knights performed daily jumps as a part of the
United States Army promotion for Spring Break.
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SPI Sponsored
NASCAR Truck Races This Saturday |
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The Kroger 250 will take place at the Martinsville
Speedway, in Martinsville, VA at 1:00 p.m.
more.....
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New Beach Access
Nears Completion |
South Padre Island Building Inspector Richard
Ehrlich, Public Works Director David Whitehead, and
Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief Clifford Rowell
(l-r) supervise the paving began today on the
Island’s new Gulf Circle Access.

This Beach Access is the
first one to be built with Ecocreto, a new porous
concrete that allows water to pass into the ground.
Ecocreto reduces or even eliminates the need
for drainage in streets and parking lots.
The new Beach Access will
have 20 new parking spaces and a foot shower.
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South Padre Island wins lawsuit
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Judge voids annexation of land by Port Isabel
A visiting judge ruled in favor of South Padre Island
and a family trust Wednesday in the annexation fight
with Port Isabel.
Read the full story...
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES |
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The Town of South Padre Island, Texas, is seeking
professional Project Management Services for the
purpose of effectively assisting the Town in the
management of the construction of its new Municipal
Complex.
Read the RFQ Summary..........
Read the complete RFQ...........
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Rio Transit Connects South Padre
Island to Brownsville |
Announcing New Direct Transit Connections Between
South Padre Island & Brownsville;
the Rio Gulf Coast Shuttle now allows persons
to travel directly from South Padre Island to
Brownsville, or
Brownsville to South Padre Island.
The Wave connects to the Brownsville Urban System in
Port Isabel. This service allows persons to travel
directly between South Padre Island, the Brownsville
Airport, and Market Square, in downtown
Brownsville.
The fare for a one-way trip is $2.00.
Children 6 years and younger ride free. The Lower
Rio Grande Valley Development Council provides the
service. The days of operation are Monday – Saturday
For more information about Rio Transit call
1-800-574-8322
Click here for a Rio Transit schedule.....
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MEET SPI NASCAR CRAFTSMAN DRIVER STEVE PARK |
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Orleans
Racing driver Steve Park will be at Schlitterbahn
parking lot April 16th as we salute the team
that is being partially sponsored by South Padre Island.
There will be autograph sessions and merchandise
available, along with the South Padre Island show truck.
Steve’s appearance coincides with the Beach N Biker
Fest, which will have its main activities at
Schlitterbahn. Steve will meet with fans and lead the
Saturday night Beach N Biker Fest Parade. Steve won the
second race of the NASCAR Truck season, becoming only
the tenth driver to win NASCAR’s top three touring
series.
Meet Steve, get
an autograph, take a picture...........
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Steve Park Visits SPI |
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Orleans
Racing driver Steve Park was on South Padre Island
coinciding his appearance with the Beach N Biker
Fest. Steve met with fans and lead the
Saturday night Beach N Biker Fest Parade. Steve won the
second race of the NASCAR Truck season, becoming only
the tenth driver to win NASCAR’s top three touring
series.
See the picture story.......
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South Padre Island’s “Outdoors”
Attracts Travel Writers |
The
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted
seven travel writers visiting the Island this past week
as a part of a Rio Grande Valley Outdoor Familiarization
Trip organized by the Office of the Governor Economic
Development and Tourism and the Rio Grande Valley Nature
Marketing Coop.
Read
the full story.....
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Free Local Guide to Growing Trees Available
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Free copies of “A Guide to Growing Healthy Trees In
The Lower Rio Grande Valley”, in both English and
Spanish, are now available at City Hall. The Valley
Proud Environmental Council furnished the guides.
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Texas
Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup |
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The
Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup will kick off it 19th annual Spring Cleanup for South Padre
Island city beaches, from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, on Saturday,
April 23rd. Check-in will be held at Water
Tower Park at the corner of Laguna Blvd. and Huisache.
This is
your opportunity to make a difference by helping
preserve one of Texas’ most precious natural resources –
our beach. The Texas Adopt-A-Beach program is an
all-volunteer effort to remove trash from our beaches
and to increase public awareness of the problems of
marine debris and beach litter.
For
further information, contact Cate Ball at (956) 761-1025
or email her at
cball@townspi.com.
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Aldermen
Proclaim April 2005 “Ila Loetscher Month” |
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At
Wednesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting, South Padre
Island Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Wells proclaimed April
2005 as “Ila Loetscher Month.”
more.......
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Team SPI is Honored by SPI Board of Aldermen
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At
Wednesday night’s South Padre Island Board of Aldermen
meeting, Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton, Jr. proclaimed April
20th, 2005 as “TEAM SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DAY.”
Read the
full story.......
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Steve Park Races
Saturday, April 30th |
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In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, SPI sponsored
driver Steve Park will race in the Dodge Ram Tough 200
Saturday, April 30th., at The Gateway International Raceway, in
Madison, Illinois.
This is
race 5 of 25 on the Craftsman Truck Series. The race
will be telecast live on the SpeedChannel at 8:30 p.m.
EDT. In 2004, the
SpeedChannel voted the Dodge Ram Tough 200 Race the Top
NASCAR Race Finish of the year.
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Texas
Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup |
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The
Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup kicked off its 19th
annual Spring Cleanup for South Padre Island city
beaches, on Saturday, April 23rd.
According to South Padre Island City Planner Cate Ball,
the event was a big success. 89 bags of trash were
collected from Town beaches, which Ms. Ball estimated to
amount to around 2,225 pounds of litter. Over 115
volunteers registered for check-in at Water Tower Park
at the corner of Laguna Blvd. and Huisache. Along with
their trash bags, volunteers received sunscreen and
candy bars courtesy of the South Padre Island Chamber of
Commerce. See
the picture story.....
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Board of Aldermen Election Saturday, May 7th |
The Early Voting Period Has Ended
Over 300 residents
voted early in the Board of Aldermen Election on
South Padre Island. All remaining residents are
urged to cast their ballots on Election Day, this
Saturday, May 7th, between 7:00 a.m. –
7:00 p.m., at the South Padre Island City Hall.
Election Day - Saturday, May 7th
On Saturday, May 7th, residents of the Town
of South Padre Island (Cameron County Precinct 52) will
have the opportunity to vote for candidates for three
at-large positions on the Board of Aldermen. Voting will
be held at City Hall, 4501 Padre Boulevard, South Padre
Island, Texas 78597. Voters may cast their ballots, in
person, from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
more........
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Park Finishes 13th at
Dodge Ram Tough 200 |
South
Padre Island sponsored NASCAR Truck driver Steve Park,
starting the race in the 22nd position,
cruised to a 13th place finish at the Gateway
International Raceway in Madison, Illinois.
more.......
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Success Center Kids Put In “Sweat Equity” |
Point Isabel Independent School District Success Center kids Elda Agular,
Jimmy Garcia, Juan Jose Martinez, Desiree Villareal
and Jerry Zamarron put in “Sweat Equity” on the
South Padre Island Four Corners Project in South
Padre Island.

Read
the full story......
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SPI Aldermen Approve 2004 Financial
Audit |
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The South Padre Island Aldermen approved the
financial audit for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2004.
On
hand to make the audit presentation was Kimberly Jackson
of Long Chilton, LLP.
According to Jackson, the assets of the Town of South
Padre Island exceeded its liabilities at the close of
the most recent fiscal year...
More.......
Read the full Audit
here....
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UNOFFICIAL TABULATION OF PRECINCT 52 AND EARLY VOTING
RESULTS
FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD MAY 7, 2005
TOWN OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS
Early Election Day Total
James “Joe Buck” Camp
124 174 298
Jim Hoff
167 156
323
Bob Fudge
120 128 248
Rick Wells
131 163 294
Rick Ridolfi
190 215 405
Tara Rios Ybarra
115 189 304
Total Voters Election
Day 398
Total Voters Early 335
Total Voters
733
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Landfill Taskforce to Organize |
On Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 am there will be an
organizational meeting of the 'Taskforce For Landfill
Opposition'.
for
details.......
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Steve Park Races Sunday, May 15th. |
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This Sunday, May 15, South Padre Island sponsored
NASCAR Truck driver Steve Park will race in the sixth
race of the season, at 1:15 p.m. CDT, in the UAW-GM Ohio
250, at a “sold out” Mansfield Motorsports Speedway, in
Mansfield Ohio. The race will be telecast live on the
SpeedChannel. Live coverage will begin at 1:00 p.m. CDT.
more......
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South Padre Island Convention Centre Opens ‘Corridor Gallery’
The Corridor
Gallery, South Padre Island’s newest attraction, opens
as a showcase for regional and international artists at
the South Padre Island Convention Centre on Monday May 9th
at 6pm.
more......
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Lefty Moves to New Jersey |
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Lefty,
a Kemp's ridley sea turtle will be transferred from Sea
Turtle, Inc. of South
Padre
Island, TX to The Jenkinson's Aquarium of Point
Pleasant, NJ on Monday, May 16th.
Lefty
lost both of
her
right flippers after being hit by a boat in Corpus
Christi, TX in 2002. Deemed non-releasable after her
injuries healed, she has been awaiting placement in a
zoo or
aquarium.
Read the full story.....
Lefty's
moving schedule......
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SPI Town Hall Meetings |
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SPI Town Hall Meetings on
Padre Boulevard Improvements Scheduled
There will be
three
very important Town Hall Meetings concerning proposed
improvements to Padre Boulevard, including a landscaped
center median.
The first Town
Hall Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 11, at
10:00 a.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Boulevard.
The second Town
Hall meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 18th,
at 4:00 p.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Boulevard.
The
third Town Hall meeting will take place on Thursday, May
19th,
at 6:30 p.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Boulevard.
The Padre
Boulevard Improvement Town Meetings will feature
discussion on a project that will have a tremendous
impact upon the future of our community. All residents
and business owners are strongly urged to attend.
For
details see the flyer.......
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Local
and Regional Healthcare |
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South Padre Island
residents and visitors need access to an assortment
of healthcare services and facilities.
The South
Padre Island Chamber of Commerce has prepared a
Guide to medical, dental and chiropractic
services on the Island and in Port Isabel. The
Guide includes hospitals in Harlingen, Brownsville
and San Benito.
Follow
this link to the Healthcare Guide......
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Our Fondest Regards
To Former Aldermen
Joe Buck Camp & Rick Wells More......
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And Congratulations
to our New Aldermen
Jim Hoff & Tara Rios Ybarra More......
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Next Race For Park:
Quaker Steak & Lube 200
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On Friday, May 20th, South Padre Island
sponsored NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Steve
Park will race in the
Quaker
Steak & Lube 200 at
Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. The
race will be televised live on the SpeedChannel at 7:30
p.m. CDT.

After six races,
Park remains in 15th place in the NASCAR
Craftsman Trunk Series with $109,155
in winnings.
Also, in the 2005 TruckSeries.com Most Popular Driver
Poll, Park has taken the lead over Johnny Benson and is
now in 1st Place in the poll for the NASCAR
Truck Series’ Most Popular Driver. All fans are urged to
vote for Steve by going to
www.truckseries.com/polls/mpd05/.
more.........
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Lower Rio Grande Valley Power Squadron |
Free Vessel
Safety Check
May 21st. all day starting at 7:45a.m.
Followed
by: Blessing of the Fleet at 9:30a.m
by Fr. Gerry from our lady of the Sea.
For
details..............
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SPI Emergency & Medical Services Public Information
Seminar |
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The Town of South Padre Island and the ad hoc Health
Care Committee are pleased to Announce……
The SPI Emergency
& Medical Services
Public Information Seminar
When: Monday, May 23rd,
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: SPI Convention Centre
Presenters: South Texas Emergency Care (STEC)
Foundation Staff
Valley Air Care
SPI Fire/Police Departments
SPI Medical Clinics
All Residents Are Urged To Attend
Refreshments & Snacks Will Be Served
more........
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Summer Fireworks Tradition |
Celebrate
the beginning of summer by watching the fireworks
displays this Memorial Holiday Weekend. Two shows
are scheduled Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28, both
shows starting approximately 9:15PM. The Laguna
Madre Bay fireworks shows are best viewed between Marlin
and Red Snapper Streets.
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Memorial Day Holidayy |
In observance of the Memorial Day Holiday the
Administrative offices of The Town of South Padre Island
will be closed Monday, May 30, 2005.
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ALL RESIDENTS OF
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND |
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The Board of Aldermen and Town Administration are
looking toward the future of the Island, and in
particular, what physical and service improvements
Islanders feel are needed over the next five to seven
years. These improvements may include improvements in
Law Enforcement, Public Works, Drainage, Parking, Beach
Accesses or any of a number of things that may be on
your minds. WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
Please email us from the Contact Us
link at the Town’s website at
www.townspi.com
or contact Michael Montgomery, Public Information
Manager, at
mmontgomery@townspi.com. Also, you may telephone us
at City Hall (956) 761-6456, and let us know what is
most needed to improve South Padre Island.
Your voice will be heard, and your
ideas and suggestions will go directly to the Board of
Aldermen and Town Administration.
HELP US BUILD A BETTER ISLAND!
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SPI BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT |
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2005 Hurricane Season Outlook |
NOAA hurricane forecasters are predicting another above
normal season with 12-15 tropical storms.....
full story......
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Members Needed For Taskforce |
The Board of Aldermen have created an ad hoc Taskforce
to support the opposition of a landfill proposition near
Los Fresnos, Texas. All interested parties are
invited to fill out an application to join the
Taskforce.
Applications may be submitted to City Hall, 4501 Padre Blvd. or you may
contact Michael Montgomery, Public Information Manager,
at
mmontgomery@townspi.com. Also, you may telephone us
at City Hall (956) 761-6456.
Click here for the application.....
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FREE Public Health Information And Educational
Workshop/FREE lung Tests
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The Texas Society For Respiratory Care is having its
annual meeting in
South Padre, TX the 8 - 10th of June 2005.
As
part of our morning educational workshop, we will be
providing FREE lung tests for those who might be
at risk for lung disease.
more......... |
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SPI’s Park Races This Friday At Texas Motor Speedway
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Steve Park Comments on running South Padre Island
Colors.......

After an accident last Saturday morning at the start of
the MBNA RacePoints 200 caused a him a dismal showing
at Dover International Speedway, South Padre Island’s
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Steve Park comes to
Texas this Friday, June 10th, hoping to
avenge last week’s finish by racing in the Chex 400k at
the Texas Motor Speedway.
more........
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Former Alderman
Ghilain Passes Away |
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Former South Padre Island Alderman Jim Ghilain passed
away Sunday, June 5th. Ghilain served as
Alderman from June 1973 – May 1981. He also served as a
member of the Volunteer Fire Department. He was 84 years
old.
Ghilain opened one of
the Island’s first businesses, Jim’s Pier, in 1954 and
he and his wife Jan provided full service fishing
services to South Padre Island for the past fifty years.
The family has planned
a quiet, private memorial service.
Ghilain is survived by
his wife Jan; his son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Lee
Ann Ghilain; and his grandchildren Risa Ann, Jenna Lee,
Brianna and Danni Lynn.
The Town of South Padre
Island Mayor, Board of Aldermen and City Hall Staff wish
to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ghilain
family.
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Sea Turtle Release
To Celebrate “World Ocean Day,” June 8th |
Residents and visitors of South Padre Island will have
the
opportunity
to learn about World Ocean Day, by joining in the
release of "Slash," a rehabilitated, young Green sea
turtle that had been injured by a fishing hook.
more.....
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Red Cross Blood
Drive |
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The
Red Cross has scheduled two blood drives on South Padre
Island. The first will take place at the Island Baptist
Church on Monday, June 6th from 12pm – 6pm.
The second will be held at Club Padre on Monday, June 13th
from 12pm – 7pm.
More..........
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National Men's Health Week |
During National Men's Health Week, June 13-19, 2005, the
Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services
would like to remind the general public to encourage men
and boys to seek regular medical advice and treatment
for disease and injury so that they can live longer.
To learn more on men's health and men's issues, please
contact the Men's Healthline at 1-888-MEN-2-MEN
(636-2636) or visit
www.menshealthweek.org
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Fire Chief
Clifford Rowell Marks 20 Years With SPI |
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June 1 marks the 20th anniversary of Fire Chief and
Assistant City Manager Clifford Rowell’s service to the
Town of South Padre Island. The vivacious, versatile
and personable Rowell has worn many hats for the town
since he has been here. He has truly been South Padre
Island’s “man for all seasons.”
Read
the full story.....
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Time Warner Cable To Host Reception
on June 30 |
Time Warner Cable will be hosting a reception on
Thursday, June 30 at 5:30 at the Las Campanas Patio of
Bahia Mar Resort, 6300 Padre Blvd, to announce the
completion of fiber access to South Padre Island.
Elected officials, community leaders and general public
are invited to attend this event. State Senator Eddie
Lucio, Jr. has tentatively confirmed.
Time Warner Cable will have a demonstration of its
latest services including Digital Cable, HDTV, Digital
Video Recorder (DVR), iControl Video on Demand, and Road
Runner High Speed Online.
Complimentary food and refreshments will be served, and
entertainment will be provided by The Strangers.
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Enjoy Fireworks Over the Bay! |
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Come Join us
Celebrate 4th of
July On Beautiful
South Padre Island, Texas and Enjoy
Fireworks Over the
Bay! The Firework Celebration will begin
Friday, July 1st
at 9:15 p.m. on the Bayside between Marlin and Red
Snapper street, courtesy of South Padre Island Chamber
of Commerce merchants on the island’s bay side. You can
enjoy an even more impressive display
on
Monday, July 4th at
9:15 p.m., same
location, courtesy of the South Padre Island Convention
and Visitors’ Bureau.

The best spectator
viewing for Fireworks Over the Bay
is at the various
bayside food and drink establishments located between Marlin
and Red Snapper streets, but the show can also be
enjoyed from many other areas as well.
COME
AND
ENJOY!
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SPI Chamber Ribbon Cutting/Mixer with
TIME WARNER CABLE |
Time
Warner Cable hosted a reception at Las Campanas Patio,
Bahia Mar Resort to officially announce the completion
of the fiber access project on South Padre Island.
more......
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SPI Public Works
Jumps On Drainage Projects |
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South Padre Island’s Public Works Director David Whitehead has waded
straight into much needed drainage projects on the
Island. Last month he and his crews built curbs and
valley gutters along Aries and Polaris Streets to deal
with two of our most notorious drainage problems.
“We know there are many drainage problems on the Island,” said Whitehead, “but Polaris and Aries were two of the worst
in terms of our streets. I hope this will eliminate the
drainage problems that the
residents of these streets were experiencing.”
According to the Public Works Department, the cost for Aries Street
was $3,400 and the cost for Polaris was $13,780.
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South Padre Island Receives Top Restored Beach Award
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For more than 80 years, communities around the United
States have been restoring their beaches. Every coastal
state has a nourishment project;... including some of
the best known beaches in the country, such as Miami
Beach and Coney Island, Ocean City and Waikiki.
...the American Shore and
Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is announcing its
fourth annual Top Restored Beach Awards. This year’s
winners are:
- Pacifica State Beach in
Pacifica, CA
- Cape May Inlet to Lower
Township, NJ
- Indian River County, FL
- Town of South Padre Island
beaches, TX
Read the full story.....
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Hurricane Cleanup |
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Special pick up of bulk hurricane related debris
On Tuesday, July 26th beginning at 7:00am, BFI will
carry out a special pick up of bulk debris as a
post-hurricane service. Residents should place
their storm related debris at curbside not later than
the evening of Monday, July 25th. This
special run is not for construction debris or hazardous
materials and waste. Only residential debris
related to the aftermath of Hurricane Emily and
items typical to those picked up through the regular
monthly bulk service will be removed.
For more information call the Public Information Office
at 761-6456 .
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Dust Cloud May
Approach SPI |
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South
Padre Island’s sunsets and sunrises may become even more
colorful as a result of a dust cloud blowing toward the
southern United States in the next few days, according
to the National Weather Service.
Details........
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Healthcare Survey |
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The Ad Hoc Healthcare
Committee has initiated a survey to measure the need for
increased healthcare facilities on the Island.
If you have not
already completed the Committee's survey, the
Committee is hoping that you will do so when you
have a convenient opportunity. Copies of the
survey are available at City Hall and at the
Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center. Your response
will be appreciated.
The survey
completion date has been extended to August 1.
Thank you.
For more information call the Public
Information Office at 956-761-6458.
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Cameron County Puts
Landfill Information
On Their Website |
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Cameron County has posted a page on their website with
information concerning the proposed landfill near Los
Fresnos. Concerned residents may access the County’s
landfill information page at
http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/landfill.htm .
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24th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament |
The 24th Annual South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce
Ladies Kingfish Tournament is coming up August 12-14,
2005 at the South Padre Island Convention Centre.
Click here for
Tournament and Registration details.....
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Street Paving
Project Complete |
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In
cooperation with the weather the much-needed
street-paving project, which kicked off the first week
of June was completed the week of July 4th as
projected.
More...........
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Town’s 2005-2006 Budget
Underway |
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The first of many Budget Workshops was underway at Club
Padre.... Discussion was held on the proposed 2005/06
Fiscal Year Budget for General Fund and proposed 2005/06
Fiscal Year Budget for all other funds.
Workshop details..........
Budget Calendar......
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING |
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Public hearings will be held on August 25th,
2005 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., at the Convention
Centre, 7355 Padre Boulevard regarding the -
THE SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
BIRDING AND NATURE CENTER AND THE SPECIAL ELECTION ON
SEPTEMBER 10, 2005
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"Duel of The
Dunes" |

The River Rockets "Duel of the Dunes" at South Padre Island Adventure Race
puts two member teams through a multi-sport challenge of
urban mountain biking, running in the dunes and kayaking
the bay. The Race will be held August 28, 2005 at
South Padre Island.
For
Race details click here......
Register online
here..........
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Southwest Airlines Lists SPI as
Featured Destination |
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For a three-day period beginning today through Sept. 1,
South Padre Island is the Featured Destination on
www.southwest.com
So, for three days only, travelers can take advantage of
cheap air fares to and from Harlingen’s Valley
International Airport through selected airports across
the nation. Trips must be taken between Sept. 20, 2005
and Jan. 9, 2006.
Read the full story.......
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SPI School
District Committee Created |
The Town of South Padre Island Board of Aldermen is
seeking volunteers to serve on the newly created
South Padre Island School District Communications
Committee.
Read the Goals and Purpose of the committee......
If you are interested in serving a two year term on the
South Padre Island School District Communications
Committee please complete the
Committee Application
Form and return it to Joyce Adams, City Secretary, no
later than Monday, August 29, 2005.
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Upcoming
Town of South Padre Island Committee Appointments |
If you are interested in
serving a two year term on any of the following Town of
South Padre Island committees, please complete the
Committee Application Form and return it to Joyce Adams,
City Secretary, no later than Monday, August 29, 2005:
for details........
Download the Application form....
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Notice of Vote
on Tax Rate |
The Town of South Padre Island conducted public hearings
on a proposal to increase the total tax revenues of the
Town of South Padre Island from properties on the tax
roll in the preceding year by 4.75 percent on August 17,
2005 at 5:30 PM and August 29, 2005 at 4:00 PM.
The Town of South Padre Island is scheduled to vote
on the tax rate that will result in that tax increase at
a public meeting to be held on September 7, 2005, at
5:30 PM at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Blvd., South Padre
Island, Tx 78597.
Click here to read the Official Notice........
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Special Election - September 10 |
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The Town of South Padre Island will hold an election
between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on Saturday,
September 10, 2005 for the purpose of
authorizing the South Padre Island Economic Development
Corporation’s use of Section 4A sales tax funds for a
public park facility, the South Padre Island Birding and
Nature Center. The polling place for the election is Precinct 52, City
Hall, 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas,
78597.
Early
Voting begins on Wednesday, August 24th
at 8:00 a.m. and ends on September 6th at
5:00 p.m.
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Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup |
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The Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup for South Padre
Island City Beaches-Cameron County will be held on
Saturday, September 17, 2005, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Check-in: is 9:00 a.m. at the Water Tower Park, Corner
of Laguna & Huisache.
Trashing
Texas Beaches Isn’t Cool!
Pick a site and call the
coordinator.
Wear Sunscreen, closed toe shoes, sunglasses, and a
hat.
Bring plenty of drinking water.
Check in by 9:00 a.m.
Do not disturb the habitat of nesting shorebirds.
For your safety, stay off the dunes.
WE’LL CLEAN RAIN OR SHINE!
For
more information contact Cate Ball at the Public Works
Department, Phone Number (956) 761-1025 or visit the
Adopt-A-Beach website at
www.texasadoptabeach.org
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Special Election - Results |
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The results of the election
authorizing the South Padre Island Economic Development
Corporation’s use of Section 4A sales tax funds for a
public park facility, the South Padre Island Birding and
Nature Center are available.
Click here to read the unofficial results........
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Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup and
Redfish Festival |
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September 29th thru October 1, 2005
The top redfish angling teams in
the world are coming to South Padre Island to compete in
the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup. There are five
qualifying events in the 2005 season with each event
giving the teams on the pro tour an opportunity to make
the cut and win a championship.
One team
will get their name etched on the Redfish Cup, another
will win the team of the year race, and 30 teams will
have the opportunity to display their skills for
millions of ESPN2 viewers.
The CVB
is hosting the tournament that will make its stop Sept.
29-October 1. The event will be held at Fishbones Pier
and Grill. The key areas to be used are Three Island,
South Bay and Gaswell Flats.
For more
tournament information.........
For more
information about the Redfish Nation and the Redfish
Cup, visit its Web site at
www.redfishnation.com.
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Red tide samples taken today reflect an increased
red tide presence on South Padre Island in part due
to increased surf and winds.
A low-to-almost-extreme presence has been found. Red
tide is measured by a cells per milliliter count
with counts lower than 100 being a low presence;
counts from 100-1,000 a moderate presence; and
counts higher than 1,000 an extreme presence.
As of today, the following counts have been made:
-West end of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway,
Port Isabel: 430 cells/ml, low aerosol;
-Brazos Santiago Pass: 676 cells/ml, high aerosol;
-Surf at the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab,
455 cells/ml, high aerosol; and
-Jim’s Pier, South Padre Island, 450 cells/ml,
moderate aerosol.
The SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau has received
several reports of residents and tourists
complaining of difficulty breathing, watery eyes,
vomiting and throat irritation. According to the
Coastal Studies Lab, the aerosol that creates the
health problems is apparent throughout the Island.
Red tide is a naturally-occurring,
higher-than-normal concentration of the microscopic
algae Karenia brevis, which produces a toxin
that affects the central nervous system of fish so
that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe,
according to TPWD. The fish subsequently die
resulting in red tide blooms from dead fish that
wash ashore.
Respiratory problems consistent with a red tide are
coughing, sneezing and tearing. Those with severe
respiratory problems should avoid red tide areas.
Pets may show similar symptoms.
For the latest information on the red tide, call
1-800-792-1112, and press 4, then 9.
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Keep an Eye on the Storm |
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As
tropical storm Rita continues to grow theSPI Emergency
Management team watches and tracks its progress.
Click on the
SPIEM link to get the latest data on this storm.
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South Padre Island’s
beaches will be closed due to increased wave
activity and rip tide dangers.
Although Hurricane Rita, a Category 5 storm, is
continuing on its current track, SPI may see some
residual weather including possible heavy rains.
Those with special needs are urged to contact the
Police Department at (956) 761-5454 to be added to a
special-needs list in the event of severe weather.
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SPI Beaches Reopened |
South Padre Island’s
beaches are now open after a brief closure due to
Hurricane Rita.
Although the beaches
are open and cleanup efforts are underway, some
debris remains. Beachgoers should exercise
caution at beach openings and dune walkovers.
There is some damage
to dune structure, but the Town is working
diligently to alleviate that, said SPI City Manager
Dewey P. Cashwell Jr.
The beaches were
initially closed Sept. 22 due to increased surf and
rip tide dangers.
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Third Annual Cancer Walk For Women |
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Sunday, October 2, 2005
Registration for the Third Annual Cancer Walk For Women
opens at 10:00 a.m. and Walk begins at 2:00 p.m. at the
South Padre Island Convention Centre on Sunday, October
2, 2005. Proceeds will benefit medical expenses for
local area women who are bravely fighting breast
cancer. For more information, call telephone number
(956) 761-4231 or visit the Walk For Women website at
www.walkforwomen.comm
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Red Tide in
Extreme Levels
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Red tide samples taken today reflect an extreme
red tide presence on South Padre Island, according
to the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
Red tide is measured by a cells per milliliter
count with counts lower than 100 being a low
presence; counts from 100-1,000 a moderate presence;
and counts higher than 1,000 an extreme presence.
As of 9-26-2005, the following counts have been
made:
-West end of the Queen Isabella Memorial
Causeway, Port Isabel: 1,635 cells/ml, light aerosol
(water discoloration reported at this location);
-Brazos Santiago Pass: 2,157 cells/ml, light
aerosol; and
-Surf at the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab,
2,458 cells/ml, light aerosol.
Red tide is a naturally-occurring,
higher-than-normal concentration of the microscopic
algae Karenia brevis, which produces a toxin
that affects the central nervous system of fish so
that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe,
according to TPWD. The fish subsequently die
resulting in red tide blooms from dead fish that
wash ashore.
Respiratory problems consistent with a red tide
are coughing, sneezing and tearing. Those with
severe respiratory problems should avoid red tide
areas. Pets may show similar symptoms.
For the latest information on the red tide, call
1-800-792-1112, and press 4, then 9.
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CVB-Proposed
Reorganization |
Much has been said concerning the proposed
reorganization of the South Padre Island Convention and
Visitors Bureau. The CVB obtains a principal share
of its operating budget via an occupancy tax from the
visitors who use lodging rooms in our community.
Read how that
tax has been used. There is a very strict
criteria for the spending of those tax dollars.
Read
how that revenue may be expended. And, there
have been many comments about the reorganization, pro
and con. Read some
facts and misconceptions concerning the proposed
reorganization.
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Bay Cleanup Effort Seeks Volunteers |
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The Coastal Baywatch
Foundation will hold a cleanup Oct. 8 at Sea Ranch
Marina.
The Foundation works
diligently to “restore and maintain the natural beauty
and balance of the Lower Laguna Madre in order to
protect its vast and varied inhabitants by preserving
water quality,” according to its Web site.
The cleanup is slated from 7
a.m. to noon and is followed by lunch at Sea Ranch
Restaurant and Bar donated by the restaurant.
For more information about the
cleanup or to become a volunteer, call Capt.
Karen Rogers at (956) 433-1027 or email her at
capt.karen@coastalbaywatch.com
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Use Candles with
Care |
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is the theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct 9-15, 2005
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the
Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that
killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless,
destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more
than 2,000 acres. Did Mrs. O'Leary's cow really kick the
candle.....
Read the M'oo Myth In 2002,
candles caused an estimated 18,000 structure fires, 130
civilian deaths, and $333 million in property damage in
the U.S. Visit NFPA's candle
safety fact sheet and download the new candle
report for free.
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Red Tide
- Levels Continue to Drop
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Red tide samples taken
Oct. 20 reflect that red tide remains present
at low levels on South Padre Island.
Red
tide is measured by cells per milliliter with counts
under 100 as being low.
The count at Bahia Grande/Hwy 48 was zero(0); the
count at the west end of the Queen Isabella Memorial
Causeway was 83; the count at the Brazos Santiago
Pass was 4 and the count in the Gulf of Mexico at
the Coastal Studies lab was 8.
For the latest information on the red tide, call
1-800-792-1112, and press 4, then 9.
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SPI to Race in
Atlanta |
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Steve Park has joined Bill Davis Racing and will race the South Padre
Island Toyota Tundra at Atlanta Motor Speedway Oct. 29
and again at Texas Motor Speedway Nov. 4.
Read the
Pre
Race report and Steve's comments on racing for
SPI....
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SPI Says Goodbye
to Red Tide |
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Cell counts for red tide have currently dropped to zero on South Padre
Island, and the aerosol that is the general source of
its symptoms, has not been detectable in a week,
according to Cameron County Extension Agent Tony
Reisinger.
"We are pleased to depart with red tide
and welcome back our beautiful blue tides on South Padre
Island," said Dan Quandt, executive director for the
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Read on.........
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A Beautiful Day
in the Neighborhood |
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It will be a beautiful day in the neighborhood when South Padre Island
has its first annual Get-To-Know-Your-Neighbor Beach
Bash on Sunday, October 30, 2005. All Island
"locals", residents and workers, are invited to attend
the party which will be held from 2:00 p.m. until dark
on the beach between accesses 19 and 21 (near Wanna
Wanna).
Read on....
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Food Safety
Training Seminar |
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A Food Safety Training seminar will be conducted at the
South Padre Island Convention Centre Thursday and Friday
October 27-28, 2005. Attendees who complete this
training and pass the State exam will receive their
Certification in Food Protection Management (FPM).
Classes will be available in both English and Spanish.
For more information......
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Nov. 8 - Texas
Election Day |
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Cameron County Precinct 52 voters may
case their ballots in the Nov. 8, 2005 Texas Constitutional Election at City
Hall, 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas.
The polling place will be open from 7:00am till 7:00pm.
Early voting in the Election will be
held until Friday, November 4, 2005. Voting
location for early voting is at Our Lady Star of the Sea
Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria, Port Isabel, Texas.
Voting hours are Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm
Click here to
review
a sample ballot for the election...
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Singing,
Sandcastles, Specials and more...... |
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Would
you like to sing Christmas Carols, or watch the Lighted
Boat Parade, or have Santa show you how to build a
sandcastle? These and many other activities are
taking place this weekend on South Padre Island.
[Jingle Bell 5K Run......]
[Here comes Santa Weekend Schedule......]
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Holiday Parade
2005 |
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18th Annual "Island of Lights"
Holiday Parade
Friday, December 2, 6:30pm
The
18th annual "Island of Lights" Holiday Parade has a new
route. The parade will begin at Club Padre, 5800
Padre Blvd. proceeding south to Acapulco, two blocks
south of the Island Brewing Co. Cash awards to
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in four categories. NO
entry fee required.
Parade Rules and Info....
Registration form..... For more
information call 761-2582 or
fax your registration form to 761-8552.
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Toys For Tots |
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A
Toys For Tots drop off box is located at the
Town of South Padre Island’s Fire Department.
Please feel free to drop off your toys at the Fire
Station located behind City Hall at 4501 Padre Blvd.
For more information visit
www.toysfortots.org.
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Emergency Brochures |
Mr.
Gilbert Garza, Part Time Code Enforcement Officer
for the Town of South Padre Island is distributing
Emergency First Aid Brochures along with Hurricane
Survival Tips throughout the island. Mr. Garza is
shown above hand delivering the first of many
brochures to Gulfview I, Assistant Manager, Laura
Camacho. Laura said they are preparing for the
arrival of Winter Texans and the brochure will come
in handy in the event of an emergency.
Texas Sea Grant provided the
Town of South Padre Island with Emergency First Aid
Brochures as well as other important BEACH SAFETY
information that was distributed throughout the
Island earlier this summer.
THANK YOU TEXAS SEA
GRANT!
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Santa Claus
Weekend Draws Crowds |
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The
“Here Comes Santa Claus Parade Weekend” events came to
an end Monday night with top parade entries awarded at
Club Padre.
Friday’s parade drew hundreds as they lined the streets
of Padre Boulevard
to
catch a glimpse of the 32 entries
at the 18th
Annual “Island of Lights” Christmas Parade.
[Read the full story.....]
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Board of
Aldermen Meeting Rescheduled |
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In order to meet all of the seasonal demands on the
Board of Aldermen. The December 21st. meeting of
the Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island
has been rescheduled to December 19th. Please
check the Meetings
Calendar for time and location.
We would like to wish
everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
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Christmas Carols
Sung by Garriga Elementary |
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Garriga
Elementary School Choir Director, Norma Minkler leads
the choir in Christmas Carols presented to City Hall
Employees at City Hall. The
South Padre Island City Hall was the choir's 3rd stop of
the morning. The choir did an outstanding job and were
presented with a goody bag for their outstanding
performance.
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Polar Bear Dip -
Jan. 1 |
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A local club will be ringing
in the New Year by taking a swim wearing
their favorite hat and costume. Polar Bear Dips
are internationally renowned. Generally, the dips are
made during very cold weather where the water produces
chilling effects.
[more....]
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Alice and Jerry
Hanson Day |
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Alice
and Jerry Hanson have devoted hundreds of hours toward
the growth and development of South Padre Island.
They have set the best of examples of great citizens
volunteering their time and expertise. In honor of
their dedication to the Town of South Padre Island,
Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. proclaimed December 7,
2005 as the official Alice and Jerry Hanson Day.
Read the full Proclamation....
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Happy Holidays |
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The Town of South Padre Island would like to wish
everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
A special thanks to the Public
Works Department and the Fire Department for working
diligently on Lighting Up The Island with street
banners, lighted ziz zag trees, holiday lights and the
24’ Tower Tree.
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