News from the Past   

News and Events from 2007

July 2007
Vanishing Beaches: Coastal Erosion
Save the Seashore

August 2007
SPI Emergency Management
Operation IRAQ Freedom
Ground Breaking Ceremony
Fireworks Over the Bay
Labor Day Holiday
Unlitter Month - Unlitter Day

September 2007
Unlitter Day
Minnie Solomonson Crossover
Town Committees
Account Opened for Rebeccah Morrison
Memorial Service
Laguna Madre Water District
South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation
Spraying for Mosquitoes
Caution...Repairs!
Pardon Our Dust
2007-2008 Town Budget
Construction Completed
Recycling Center
Town Committees - CVA
Plant of the Month September
Texas Department of  State Health Services

October 2007
Roar By The Shore
Vector Control
Mosquito Spraying
Fire Prevention Week
Distinguished Lecture Series
SPI Sand Castle Days 20th Anniversary

November 2007
1st. Annual SPI International Music Festival
Constitutional Amendment Election November 6
Town Employee Retires
SPI Gets $3 million from TxGLO
Veterans Day
Get Fit Padre
Notice of Public Hearings - The Shores
Thanksgiving Holiday
Service Award to Town Employee
Notice of Public Hearings - second notice

December 2007
Public Invited to Joint Workshop

First Distinguished Lecture Series

UTB/TSC Professor of Sociology to be Featured on SPI

Historical Preservation Commission to Meet Jan. 22

If you’re interested in South Padre Island’s history, if you appreciate its uniqueness, and if you’d like to help preserve and share that history and unique sense of place with others, then you’re invited to be part of a fact-finding commission to research and identify possible options for historical preservation on the Island.
 

Board of Aldermen Meetings Rescheduled

Committee Members Needed

The Town of South Padre Island Board of Adjustments and Appeals is seeking applicants for committee members. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, January 18, 2006.
 

Emergency Sea Turtle Rescue!!

Water Interruption

Due to a minor accident there has been an interruption in water services in the East Verna Jean and Gulf Blvd. area. In addition the area between East Sunset and East Constellation are being affected.  The interruption may last between 6 and 8 hours.
 

SPI Kite Festival set for Feb. 3 & 4

Water to be Shut Off.....

Winter Texan Snowbird Extravaganza

Town of South Padre Island Finance's

Financial Status Of the Town

A presentation of the Town's financial status is available for viewing on the Document Center...

United Blood Services

Town of SPI Community Blood Drive

United Blood Services and the Town of South Padre Island would like to invite the community to donate blood on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007. The Blood Drive will be held at 108 W. Retama St. at the SPI Training Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Essence of the Laguna Madre

KOA World’s Largest Surf Fishing Tournament

Surf Fishing Record

KOA World’s Largest Surf Fishing Tournament Sets World Record

Despite high winds and constant rain, throngs of surf fishermen lined the beaches of South Padre Island to take part in the inaugural Kampgrounds of America World’s Largest Surf Fishing Tournament. The event, which ended with 415 registered participants, set the new world record for surf fishing tournaments, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Join the Fun

Isle Ditter Dog

Join the Laguna Madre Humane Society in an old-fashioned dog race, canine costume contest, canine cake walk, picture corner, and silent auction this Saturday, Feb. 17 at Louie’s Backyard from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free t-shirts while they last! For more information call 1-800-SOPADRE.
 

South Padre Island and Port Isabel Rotary Club

Winter Texan Fish Fry

Enjoy a fish lunch and live entertainment at Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park this Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce or the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce for $6. For more information, call (956) 761-4412.
 

Winter Texan Adopt-A-Beach Clean Up

Join the Texas General Land Office at Edward Atwood King Park, County #5 Access, Feb. 16 beginning at 9 a.m. Registration is from 8-8:45 a.m., bags and gloves are supplied. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.
 

SPI Welcomes New Islanders

You are invited to “Hear the History of the Island” followed by refreshments Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at La Quinta Inn, 7000 Padre Blvd. on the 4th floor,  Orchid Room. Have the opportunity to meet other Islanders and receive newcomer’s packet. Visit the Town’s Community Calendar for more information…
 

SPI Distinguished Lecture Series

As part of the South Padre Island Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. Anthony J. Knopp, professor emeritus in the History Department, will be presenting “The US-Mexico War Began in the Rio Grande Valley,” at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island. Tickets for the event are $2 per person. The lecture series is sponsored by UTB/TSC, Club Padre and South Padre Island Residents Involved Together. For more information contact JoAnn Evans at 772-9097.
 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Update

FDA Warns not to eat certain jars of
Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter due to a risk of Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes food borne illness).
 

SPI Board Approves New Property Maint. Ordinance

Commercial Property Maintenance Ordinance

The Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island unanimously approved a new Ordinance concerning maintenance requirements for commercial properties on the Island.  The ordinance was approved in response to continuing problems related to properties and ... the overall community of South Padre Island.
 

Remembering Eliseo B.Vega

Candidacy Deadline
La Fecha Final Para La Candidatura

The deadline to file as a candidate for Town of South Padre Island Board of Aldermen is 5 p.m. Monday, March 12   [En Espanol....]

Drawing For Place On Ballot

A drawing will be held to determine the order in which names of candidates are to be printed on the ballot for the election to be held on May 12, 2007 in South Padre Island, Texas.

Historical Preservation Committee Needs Applicants

The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors is seeking applicants for the Historical Preservation Committee.  The deadline for applications is Friday, March 16.    Application...

The Town of South Padre Island Bay Area Task Force Implementation Committee has initiated one of their projects and is currently underway. Large concrete planters are being placed at the end of the bay streets on the Island to enhance aesthetics. For more information, contact (956) 761-9949.

Butterfly Garden Nears Completion              Community Talk
Garden Sketch
Join the Town of South Padre Island and its community with the North American Butterfly Association’s educational awareness on butterflies and butterfly gardening in South Texas.

Spring Break 2007

Traffic Management Plan

Should the need arise the Town of South Padre Island Police Department will activate a Traffic Management Plan to maintain a continuous flow of vehicular traffic on Padre Boulevard.  The plan diagram...

Notice for Commercial Businesses

During Spring Break and summer enormous amounts of trash are generated by both commercial businesses and rental properties on South Padre Island.  Please be advised that Island officials have been directed to carry out vigorous enforcement of Chapter Nine of the Town Code of Ordinances regarding Garbage, Trash, Weeds and Other Waste Material. Town Officials are tasked with identifying overflowing waste containers, photographing these containers and reporting them to Allied Waste Services (formerly BFI) for immediate waste disposal.   The Rates...
 

Additional Hours for WAVE Operation 

Hours of Operation for WAVE during Easter Holidays

Effective March 30, 2007 the hours of operation and the time schedules for each WAVE route have been temporarily changed to accommodate the Easter and Holy Week holiday.
 

Commissioner Jerry Patterson to Speak

The South Padre Island Board of Aldermen will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the Convention Centre Conference Theatre, 7355 Padre Blvd.  For more information, contact the Town of South Padre Island at (956) 761-6456.

Embracing our Environment

The Summit, "Embracing our Environment," begins at 1 p.m. and runs through 4 p.m. with the following topics to be discussed: Bahia Grande Restoration Project, South Padre Island’s Ecology, Coastal Erosion and other valuable resources.    Banner...

SPI Seeks Nominations for Environmental Award

The South Padre Island Board of Aldermen seeks nominations for the 2007 Environmental Excellence Award. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 27 before 5 p.m.    Application...

General Election - Unofficial Results

The unofficial results of the General Election held May 12, 2007 have been tabulated.  This tabulation was made at City Hall, 4501 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas.  The results are...
 

First Turtle Celebration

Mark your calendar for the first Turtle Days Celebration to be held May 13 -19.   The event celebrates the turtle-nesting season and the beginning of summer on South Padre Island. 

Focus Groups to Look at Spring Break Challenges

The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a series of focus groups on May 30-31 to gain input on Spring Break challenges.

Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee

The South Padre Board of Aldermen is seeking your input in regard to the Seismic Study Activity for oil and gas exploration in the Laguna Madre.  Please provide your comments through the website link below.

Seismic Study Comments

Before submitting your commentary please insure that Public Information is the selected Department and Seismic Survey is the selected in the Problem Code.

The Town of South Padre Island has been provided a phone number to be called if persons have any damage issues relating to the current seismic oil and gas exploration work currently being conducted in and around the Laguna Madre. This number will lead you to Blanton & Associates at (512) 623-3357. If the lines are busy please leave a message and representatives will return your call.

ZERO Tolerance Litter Policy

What would it be like if we had no litter on this Island?

That is what the Town of South Padre Island is trying to accomplish. The SPI Board of Aldermen has approved initiation of a new anti-litter campaign, with a ZERO tolerance litter policy.
 

The Board of Aldermen will host a joint workshop with the Economic Development Corporation Wednesday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at the Convention Centre to hear a progress report and discuss the new SPI Birding Center and review the parking study compiled by Carl Walker, Inc. which will be presented by Mr. Lee Bourque.  Please enter through the south end of the Convention Centre by the Birding and Nature Boardwalk.

The newly elected Aldermen, Kirk Mills and Courtney Hayden, and re-elected Tara Rios-Ybarra will be sworn in before the public Wednesday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Blvd.  Rick Ridolfi and Jim Hoff will be recognized by Mayor Pinkerton for their public service on the Board of Aldermen.

Officials from Cameron County, Town of South Padre Island, City of Port Isabel, Texas Parks and Wildlife participated this past Friday, June 1 in a groundbreaking ceremony in Isla Blanca Park at the new designated site for the new boat ramp.

The Annual Summer Friday Fireworks has begun.  The firework display starts at 9:15 pm every Friday evening.  The entertaining display is best viewed between Marlin and Red Snapper streets.
   

Weather permitting, spraying for mosquitoes will occur Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  June 4, 5 & 6.

Due to a clerical error in not placing a time, there will not be a Board of Aldermen Meeting this evening, June 20, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. It has been postponed to a later date. 

Municipal Sign Board Created

The Town of South Padre Island is soliciting applications to fill vacancies on the Municipal Sign Board.

SPI Convention and Visitors Authority

The Town of South Padre Island Board of Aldermen is seeking applicants for a vacant seat for a limited service hotel on the Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors. Those who are interested can receive an application by contacting the Town’s City Secretary at 761-6456 or by downloading a committee application form from www.townspi.com.

Download Committee Application...

Fireworks Over the Bay!

Firework Safety

Mosquito Spraying

Weather permitting, spraying for mosquito control will occur, Thursday thru Sunday, July 5-8.
 

City Hall
Administrative Offices will be closed
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
for Independence Day.

House Subcommittee to hold Hearing on South Padre Island

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz today announced that the United States House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans will hold a formal field hearing on July 14, 2007, to examine coastal erosion issues in South Texas at South Padre Island at 11:30 a.m. at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 7000 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island.     Agenda and Witness List...

Sea Life Day July 28 at Radisson Resort

Ground Breaking Ceremony set for SPI Birding and Nature Center

The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation announces a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.

The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 6801 Padre Blvd., just north of Sea Turtle, Inc.

SPI Emergency Management

For more information regarding the status of Hurricane Dean, log into www.spiemergency.com. Or click on the hurricane link on this page.
 

Fireworks Over the Bay!

In observance of Labor Day the Administrative offices of the Town of South Padre Island will  be closed Monday, September 3, 2007.

The Town of South Padre Island proclaims September 2007 "Unlitter Month" and September 1, 2007 "Unlitter Day".

During a Board of Aldermen Special Meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. and Alderwoman Tara Rios-Ybarra unveil new street signs dedicated on an honorary basis to Minnie Solomonson. Minnie Solomonson was the first female to hold the position of the Town’s Municipal Court Judge in 1980 and Mayor in 1982. The new street signs read Minnie Solomonson Crossover.

Applications for Town Committees Now Being Accepted

The Town of South Padre Island is accepting applications from qualified volunteers to fill terms on Town committees. The deadline to submit your application is Thursday, September 13, 2007.
Committee Application...

Account Opened for Rebeccah Morrison

Memorial Service

Memorial Service Set to Remember the Victims and Survivors of the Collapse of the Queen Isabella Causeway

The Town of South Padre Island and the City of Port Isabel will pay tribute to the victims, their families and survivors of the collapse of the Queen Isabella Causeway, September 15, 2001
 

Please be advised that the Laguna Madre Water District will be improving its water distribution system in your area, E. Oleander and E. Gardenia. For more information, contact Distribution Supervisor Joel Lopez at (956) 943-2626.

Town of South Padre Island Seeks Citizen Volunteers

The Town of South Padre Island Board of Aldermen is soliciting applications of Citizen Volunteers who are interested in learning the functions and methods of the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation. The deadline to submit your application is Tuesday, September 18, 2007.
Committee Application...

Weather permitting we will be spraying for mosquitoes on Wednesday and Thursday (9/19, 9/20).

Caution...Repairs!!

South Padre Island Street Improvements Under Way
(Revised)

The Town of South Padre Island would like to inform residents of the current street improvements under way and may require the street to be partially closed, weather permitting.  Beginning Friday, Aug. 24 W. Bahama St., Laguna Blvd. to Laguna Madre Bay, will be repaired for street improvements.  The street will remain open to local residents when needed, but will require partial/temporary closure during morning hours.
 

Please excuse the construction at Neptune Circle - Beach Access #16 and Starlight Circle - Beach Access #17. The Town of South Padre Island encourages you to approach these accesses with caution and safety. A projected drive over will be installed  at Starlight Circle - Beach Access #17, while a walk over will be installed at Neptune Circle - Beach Access #16. The project will be completed by the end of July. Temporary accesses will be placed to access to the beach at both locations. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (956) 761-1025.
                                    
                                    Click on picture to enlarge.

The attached Budget Calendar provides information on dates and times in regard to the process of the Town’s Proposed 2007-08 Budget.

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase

The TOWN OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND will hold a public hearing on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year.  The public hearing will be held on August 15, 2007 at 5:30 pm at Club Padre at 5800 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas.  A second hearing will be held August 29,2007 at 5:30 pm at Club Padre at 5800 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FISCAL YEAR 2007/08 BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island, Texas, will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 during a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas.  The purpose of the Public Hearing is to discuss the Fiscal Year 2007-08 Budget.  This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $836,650 or 21.2%, and of that amount $211,842 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

 Notice of Vote on Tax Rate

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 5, 2007 at 5:30 PM at Club Padre, 5800 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island.

The Town of South Padre Island would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation during the construction phases of Neptune Circle - Beach Access #16 and Starlight Circle - Beach Access #17. A drive over was installed at Neptune Circle and walk over at Starlight Circle.

The Recycling Center, located at 108 W. Retama, will be open between 8am and noon, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.   You may contact Allied Waste Services for additional service at 1-800-423-7316 or the Chamber of Commerce at (956) 761-4412.  For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (956) 761-1025.

Vacancy on CVA Board of Directors

There is a position open on the Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors for the remainder of a term ending September 30, 2008.  This position is limited to a representative from a full service hotel. 

Anyone interested in applying for this position should fill out the committee application available on the Town Web site and send it to Joyce Adams, city secretary, no later than noon Friday, September 28, 2007.  This item will be on the agenda for the October 3, 2007 Board of Aldermen meeting. Committee Application...

SPI Bike Fest set for Oct 11-13

Temporary Closure for Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge

Join the South Padre Island Convention Centre in welcoming this year’s 14th Annual Rally. Bikers from around the United States and Mexico make a roar by the shore! Concert at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark Saturday. Regular Rally Package is $45 and includes armband, pin, souvenir, dog tag and concert ticket. Mexico Fiesta Run tickets are available for $15. For more information, visit www.spibikefest.com, or call (956) 668-7484.

Vector Control

Texas Mosquito Control Association visits South Padre Island

The Town of South Padre Island welcomes members of the Texas Mosquito Control Association (TMCA) during their 51^st Annual Meeting Oct. 10-11 at the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach and Hotel Condominiums.
 

The Town of South Padre Island will be spraying for mosquito control on 10/8, 10/9, and 10/10. The Town does not spray during unfavorable weather conditions such as high winds exceeding 10 mph, rain, or extreme cold temperatures. If there is a need for spraying, application begins as early as dusk or when they are most active.

 
South Padre Island Fire Department Reminds Residents
 to "Practice Your Escape Plan"

It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 7-13 the South Padre Island Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to 'Practice Your Escape Plan.'

 
Island Lecture Series Continues with
 UTB/TSC Physicist Richard Price

Sand Castle Days will take place at the Sheraton Beach Hotel and Condominiums with international sand sculpture competition. Masters of the Future free sand castle lessons Oct. 13-20. Amateur competition for all ages and groups on Saturday. Arts and craft vendors, Sand Castle Kite Fly and Kids Pedal & Dash. For more information, go to www.sandcastledays.com.
 

1st. Annual SPI International Music Festival

Fire Chief, Assistant City Manager Retires After 22 Years

SPI Receives $3 million from TxGLO

South Padre Island Receives $3 million
 from Texas General Land Office

The Town of South Padre Island today was awarded $3 million from the Texas General Land Office to assist in beach re-nourishment during the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association-General Land Office Fall Coastal Conference.
 

Veterans Day!

In observance of Veterans Day the Administrative offices of the Town of South Padre Island will be closed Monday, November 12, 2007.
 

SPI Begins "Get Fit Padre" Physical Fitness Program

The Town of South Padre Island recently joined the Texas Round-Up to enhance the health of citizens on the Island through education and promotion of physical activity and healthy living.

Notice of Public Hearings

A public hearing will be held by and before the Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island, Texas, on Wednesday, the 14^th day of November 2007 at 5:30 P.M. o’clock at the Club Padre, at 5800 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas 78597 for all persons interested in the proposed annexation.

Shores Annexation Petition... 
Annex Shores 27 Acre Parcel...    Annex Shores 6 Acre Parcel...

A second public hearing for the proposed annexation will be held by and before the Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island, Texas, on Wednesday, the 28^th day of November 2007 at 9:00 A.M. o’clock at the Club Padre, at 5800 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas 78597.

The Shores Municipal Service Plan... 
Annex Shores 27 Acre Parcel...    Annex Shores 6 Acre Parcel...

Thanksgiving Holiday

The Town of South Padre Island Administrative Offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23, 2007 for the Thanksgiving Holidays.
 

International Tourism Coordinator Receives
 Excellence in Service Award

South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dan Quandt presented an Excellence in Service Award to International Tourism Coordinator Lilia DeRousie at the Nov. 14 Board of Aldermen meeting.

Notice of Public Hearings

A second public hearing for the proposed annexation will be held by and before the Board of Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island, Texas, on Wednesday, the 28^th day of November 2007 at 9:00 A.M. o’cloc