News from the Past   

News and Events from 2005

Polar Bear’s Enjoy Blue Sky

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.

 Cold Weather Could Strand Sea Turtles

  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.....

 

New Committee to be Created

Christmas Grant for South Padre Island

On Wednesday, December 15^th, 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.....
 

Welcome: The Shores

Firefighter Testing January 2005

 We currently have 4 positions available.   More......... 

Public Opinion Survey - Medical-Healthcare Facilities

Beaches to be Nourished

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.
 

Notice of February Bond Election

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....
 

241 Residents Cast Early Votes on New City Hall

Beach Project Complete

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.

Beachcomber - February Newsletter

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......
 

Notice of Public Auction  

On Saturday February 12^th, 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........
 

Bond Election Passes

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.
 

Winter Texan Fish Fry  

On Saturday February 12^th, the Winter Texan Fish Fry will be held at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark    more.......
 

 Eighth Annual Winter Texan Beach Cleanup 

 
The Eighth Annual Winter Texan Beach Cleanup will be held on Feb. 18^th.    more.....

Sea Turtle Identification  

On February 24^th, 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.....
 

 Public Presentation and Discussion 

On Thursday, Feb. 24^th, 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. 25^th, 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…….
 

Firefighter Testing Feb. 28th.

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 .....
 

 Mayor Pinkerton Dedicates Arbor Month Tree

 
On Friday, February 18^th, in celebration of Arbor Month, Mayor Robert (Bob) Pinkerton, Jr. dedicated a Yaupon Pride of Houston tree on the Convention Centre Grounds.   more.....

 Farewell, Judge Tenison

 
Robert (Bob) McIntyre Tenison, 77, of South Padre Island, Texas passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 1^st.  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 5^th, 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.

Application Deadline - March 7th.

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.....
 

Renowned “Turtle Lady”, Ila Loetscher,
selected to Walk of Fame

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.......
 

 Town Committees Needs Members 

 
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.
 

SPI Sponsored Racing - March 18th.

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

 Spring Break is here.....

 
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

SPI Code Enforcement Officer’s Earn Additional Credentials

Heimlich Posters Available  

 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.......
 

Friday Night Fireworks

SPITS Receives Donation for Skateboard Park

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.
 

 Mayor Welcomes Marines

 
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.

 Town Appoints New Committee Members 

On Wednesday, March 16^th, 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...

Golden Knights Honor SPI City Officials

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.

SPI Sponsored NASCAR Truck Races This Saturday

The Kroger 250 will take place at the Martinsville Speedway, in Martinsville, VA at 1:00 p.m.   more.....
 

New Beach Access Nears Completion

South Padre Island wins lawsuit

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...
 

 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES 

 
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...........
 

Rio Transit Connects South Padre Island to Brownsville

MEET SPI NASCAR CRAFTSMAN DRIVER STEVE PARK

Orleans Racing driver Steve Park will be at Schlitterbahn parking lot April 16^th 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...........
 

Steve Park Visits SPI

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.......
 

South Padre Island’s “Outdoors” Attracts Travel Writers

Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup

The Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup will kick off it 19^th annual Spring Cleanup for South Padre Island city beaches, from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, on Saturday, April 23^rd. 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.
 

Aldermen Proclaim April 2005 “Ila Loetscher Month”

At Wednesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting, South Padre Island Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Wells proclaimed April 2005 as “Ila Loetscher Month.”        more.......

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.......
 

Steve Park Races Saturday, April 30^th

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.
 

Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup

The Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup kicked off its 19^th annual Spring Cleanup for South Padre Island city beaches, on Saturday, April 23^rd.

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.....
 

Board of Aldermen Election Saturday, May 7th

On Saturday, May 7^th, 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........
 

Park Finishes 13^th at Dodge Ram Tough 200

Success Center Kids Put In “Sweat Equity”

SPI Aldermen Approve 2004 Financial Audit

     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....
 

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        

Landfill Taskforce to Organize

Steve Park Races Sunday, May 15th.

  
   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......
 

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 9^th at 6pm.   more......

Lefty Moves to New Jersey

 
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 16^th.

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......
 

SPI Town Hall Meetings

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 18^th, at 4:00 p.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Boulevard. 

    The third Town Hall meeting will take place on Thursday, May 19^th, 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.

 Local and Regional Healthcare 

 
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......
 

Next Race For Park: Quaker Steak & Lube 200

  
On Friday, May 20^th, 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 15^th 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 1^st 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/.

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..............
 

SPI Emergency & Medical Services Public Information Seminar

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 23^rd, 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........
 

Summer Fireworks Tradition

Memorial Day Holidayy

ALL RESIDENTS OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

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!
 

SPI BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
MAY 28 & 29, 2005
See the flyer for details.......

2005 Hurricane Season Outlook

Members Needed For Taskforce

Click here for the application.....
 

FREE Public Health Information And Educational Workshop/FREE lung Tests

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.........

SPI’s Park Races This Friday At Texas Motor Speedway