SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Five months and 17,000 miles after departing Bremerton, Wash., the former USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) is expected to enter the jetties of the Brazos Santiago Pass off South Padre Island at 10:30 a.m. on May 31, the day after Memorial Day. The Kitty Hawk left the Port of Spain in Trinidad on May 14 before making its way across the Caribbean Sea. Berry was interviewed by phone on May 20, when the Kitty Hawk was off the coast of Jamaica, and said the long trip had gone well so far. ISL has done three of them: the USS Constellation (a Kitty Hawk-class carrier), the USS Independence and USS Ranger. Berry said the Kitty Hawk may draw a larger crowd than any of the previous carrier arrivals.

The 12-year-old brown belt joined her martial arts team from Metamorphix Martial Arts in Harlingen for an Earth Day Adopt-a-Beach cleanup. “This was my way, our way, to help our community by keeping our beaches clean,” she said. “Not only does our instructor (Ortiz) teach us martial arts and trains us to improve our techniques and forms, but she helps us all around,” said Escamilla. Metamorphix Martial Arts is located at 114 N. A St. in downtown Harlingen and offers youth martial arts and mentorship programs for children 4-14 years old, including teen girl’s and women’s self-defense and women’s kickboxing classes. For more information on programs offered at Metamorphix Martial Arts call 956-752-8443, email [email protected] or visit them on social media @metamorphixma.

Cameron County will unveil new signage aimed at preventing people from driving on the delicate dunes on South Padre Island, with warnings including the threat of prosecution. “Driving On The Sand Dunes is Prohibited” signage will go up this week as a reminder that driving up and over the dunes from the beach is banned by law. The effort is part of the county’s continuing dune preservation efforts and is contained in the 2019 Cameron County Erosion Response Plan. In addition, under the Texas Natural Resources Code, a fine of between $50 and $2,000 can be levied for each offense. “The signage will help to deter any driving on the dunes that we all know is detrimental to the ecological system,” said Cameron County Precinct 1 Commissioner Sofia C. Benavides.

Special to the HeraldThe Coast Guard rescued a 24-year-old woman from the water off South Padre Island on Saturday. Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi command center watchstanders received notification at 11 a.m. from Cameron County Beach Patrol stating a woman was swimming approximately 1 mile offshore Beach Access #5 without a life jacket and was possibly in distress. Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi command center personnel issued an urgent marine information broadcast, diverted an underway Coast Guard Station South Padre Island 33-foot Special Purpose Craft–Law Enforcement boat crew, launched a second SPC-LE boat crew, and diverted an airborne MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi. A SPC-LE boat crew located the swimmer, brought her aboard and transported her to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Station South Padre Island. EMS personnel brought her to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, Texas, in stable condition.

In total, the U.S. Coast Guard hauled in a major catch—three black bundles of pot weighing 140 pounds, seized early Thursday off South Padre Island, according to a press release. The Coast Guard crew transferred the individuals and marijuana to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol personnel in Port Isabel. “It is only through close coordination with our interagency partners that our crews are able to detect and respond swiftly to illegal activities along the border,” Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Dan Ippolito, commanding officer, Station South Padre Island, said in the press release. “The Coast Guard remains fiercely committed to stopping individuals from illegally smuggling drugs into U.S. territory, safeguarding our borders and protecting our citizens.”

Imagine bringing your own picnic, parking for free and using the park’s inner tubes, life vests and boogie boards at no cost as you and your family enjoy Beach Park Waterpark on South Padre Island.

The Coast Guard seized 155 pounds of marijuana Wednesday near South Padre Island, Texas, officials said.

The forecast is in. It's going to be another busy hurricane season

Registration continues for the 38th Annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk on Saturday, when an anticipated 1,500 walkers and runners will cross the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge from Port Isabel to South Padre Island.

A 4-year-old boy hit his head on the rocks of the South Padre Island jetties Sunday, requiring emergency medical care, authorities said Monday. The U.S. Coast Guard medevaced a 4-year-old child Sunday on South Padre Island. The parents of a 4-year-old boy notified the Coast Guard crew that their son had fallen on the rocks, sustained lacerations on his head and may need medical attention. The boat crew took the 4-year-old aboard, administered first-aid and transferred the child to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Station South Padre Island. EMS then transported him to the Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, in reportedly stable condition, Coast Guard officials said Monday.

Forever Beautiful SPI, the simple beach clean up organization that works with the city of South Padre Island to keep the Island’s beaches clean, will have a spring beach cleanup from 9-11 a.m. April 5 at the Isla Grand Beach Resort, and April 9 at The Courtyard By Marriott SPI.

While the parks system it manages has gotten bigger over the last 30 years, Cameron County Parks and Recreation’s South Padre Island headquarters have not, to the point that things have gotten pretty crowded. “The existing office is the registration office and administration office, and sometimes we have up to 13 employees working and it’s very crowded in there. “We’re just celebrating the fruition of all of it.”County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. said he’s enjoyed watching the partnership between the county and South Padre Island blossom. South Padre Island Mayor Patrick McNulty expressed gratitude to the county for projects to improve the Island. “We really do appreciate the investment that Cameron County has been doing the last five, six, seven years on South Padre Island to help South Padre Island become a better place for people to live, work and play,” he said.

While the parks system it manages has gotten bigger over the last 30 years, Cameron County Parks and Recreation’s South Padre Island headquarters have not, to the point that things have gotten pretty crowded.

This weekend, as the Spring Break Jam 2022 custom truck and car expo returns to South Padre Island, the longtime owner and president of Heat Wave Inc. will be mixing with car enthusiasts and talking about how their automotive visions came to life. Also, Spring Break Jam sometimes leaves its marks on people in a completely different way—tattoos. That annual streak started with his first show in Texas 33 years ago, and along the way MacDonald said the greatest lesson has been to treat people well. When did MacDonald first hope of creating a positive custom truck and car show that delivers reliably year after year for decades? “When I was 16, I had a mini truck, and I used to go to shows here in Texas,” MacDonald said.

Three projects in Cameron County are targeted for grants from the Texas General Land Office to better facilities and public access at two beaches as well as improve rainwater runoff at a Rio Hondo school.

An overnight fire fanned by high winds has completely destroyed the popular Pier 19 Restaurant and Bar on South Padre Island.

Ila Loetscher took costumed turtles on late-night TV and founded a nonprofit that has rescued thousands of the creatures.

SpaceX Founder and CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Monday that he could send one over the airport since it serves the communities of Brownsville and South Padre Island. “If South Padre and or/Brownsville would like a Starship prototype, we can send one over,” Musk tweeted. Airport officials anticipate Musk’s team at Starbase would reach out to them either later Monday or Tuesday and hopefully figure out what details would come next. Partida said sometimes airport officials just observe tweets but because this one included the airport they wanted to let Musk know that they are ready to be home to a Starship prototype. Having a Starship prototype would not only draw tourist to the airport but in addition shows the efforts the city is making to position Brownsville as the new space city, Partida said.

On Tuesday, Sea Turtle, Inc. released 77 cold-stunned Atlantic green sea turtles back into the ocean at Cameron County Beach Access #4. Group by group Sea Turtle, Inc. personnel took turns carrying turtles of all sizes into the ocean’s recurring waves. In total, Sea Turtle, Inc. rescued 80 cold-stunned turtles from the cold temperatures this past weekend. “We got a few on Friday, most of them on Saturday and a few on Sunday,” Sea Turtle, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Wendy Knight said. “We could not do this without you.”Those who see or come across a stranded sea turtle on South Padre Island or Boca Chica beach are asked to call Sea Turtle, Inc.’s 24/7 emergency line at (956) 243-4361.

For the past year, Cristina Piecuch has been showcasing her talents as a printmaking artist and inspiring others to learn this unique process of creating art.

More than 200 pounds of marijuana was seized Monday near South Padre Island, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

On Friday, media got another sneak peek into the upcoming movie “Switch Up,” a romantic comedy currently filming across Brownsville, San Benito and South Padre Island.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Residents and visitors of this coastal city have the chance to do a good deed while enjoying the area’s scenic views. The Texas General Land Office’s Adopt-A-Beach program will have a Winter Beach Cleanup on South Padre Island on Friday, Feb. 4. Macias explained that as part of the Adopt-A-Beach program, beaches around the Texas Coast host cleanups that make a big impact for the environment. “Everybody gathers together to clean the beach.”To register online for South Padre Island’s beach cleanup, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p8an5h6. For more information, contact the Cameron County Parks Department at (956) 761-5494 or the Texas GLO Adopt-A-Beach program at 1 (877) 892-6278.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Coinciding with the Valentines holiday, the City of South Padre Island’s annual I Love SPI campaign will operate now through Monday, Feb. 14. As part of the campaign, residents and businesses are able to place brush and bulky items at the front of their property to be collected. The city, in partnership with Republic Services, is promoting the campaign to help residents and businesses by adding an extra brush and bulky item pick-up service to the regular monthly service. Those spotted participating in the campaign will be awarded an “I Love SPI” T-shirt. “Please take advantage and clear your property of debris and unwanted bulky items to get ready for the busy season,” Environmental Health Director Victor Baldovinos said.

A local real estate brokerage team is looking forward to an exciting new year as it will be led under different leadership.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Four years after a reckless driver smashed them to pieces, county officials have announced two new toll booths and a re-entry lane will be built at Isla Blanca Park. The new toll booths will significantly improve the time lag parks visitors now spend passing through the temporary toll booths to enter the park, and things were especially aggravating this past summer. 5, Isla Blanca is the most popular county beach park. During construction, new temporary toll booths will be set up. This area will be the temporary location of the toll booths and entry lanes during construction.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — With scenic coastal views and cities that embody the area’s cultural richness, a production team felt drawn to have their story take place in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. An upcoming movie titled “The Switch Up” began filming this week in Brownsville and on South Padre Island. South Padre Island city officials and personnel held a press conference on Thursday to introduce the film’s cast and crew. “It’s great for South Padre Island because we are showcasing a wonderful place to enjoy while on vacation or a weekend and now, as a film destination,” SPI Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Teresa Rodriguez said. “With this movie, I think people are going to see what South Padre Island has to offer.”The Switch Up is a romantic comedy starring Cristián De La Fuente and Julieth Restrepo.

The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office has filed a notice that it will seek the death penalty against a Keren, Texas man accused in a triple homicide that occurred on South Padre Island in August. Barthelemy was arraigned Dec. 10 before 357th state District Court Judge Magallanes on one count of capital murder and pleaded not guilty to the charge, Cameron County court documents reflect. The shooting happened on Aug. 7, at the Sunchase Condominiums located at the 1004 Padre Blvd., on South Padre Island. South Padre Island police were dispatched to the area in reference to a disturbance with either a gun or knife, a SPI police report states. He remains jailed at a Cameron County facility on a no bond.

For more than three decades, the quality of this coastal city’s financial reporting continues to be award-worthy.

Residents and visitors of South Padre Island will be able to celebrate the holiday season with a fun activity that highlights the scenic beauty of the area.

A sudden torrential downpour did little to stand in the way of volunteers Saturday as they worked to remove trash from End of the Road beach on South Padre Island.

A wave of orange greeted vehicles as they crossed over the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge onto South Padre Island this weekend.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — A wave of orange greeted vehicles as they crossed over the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge onto South Padre Island this weekend. UTRGV flags with “#RallyTheValley” printed on them led up to the famous South Padre Island welcome sign, marking the UTRGV women’s basketball team’s home away from home for the weekend as the South Padre Island Convention Centre hosted the second annual UTRGV South Padre Island Classic on Friday and Saturday. To have all the orange out here at South Padre, it’s something that we hope is going on for years to come,” UTRGV head coach Lane Lord said. We just struggled to make shots.”While the Vaqueros didn’t earn a win on the weekend, they connected with the Lower Valley by bringing Division I women’s basketball to South Padre Island. “We’ve got an awesome university and to come to South Padre and see those kids here, it meant a lot.

A man from Kerens, Texas, who is accused in the shooting deaths of three women on South Padre Island in August is expected to stand trial on capital murder charges in May 2022.

South Padre Island, Texas might be known as a spring break spot, but after visiting, Insider's writer thinks it's set to become the next Hamptons.

The long neglected Children’s Beach at Cameron County’s Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island is finally getting some attention.

If you’re dreaming of having a white Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley this year, you are out of luck. ACCU Weather on Wednesday released its white Christmas 2021 forecast and states there is a 5% chance that South Texas could see snow on Christmas. The last time the Valley had a white Christmas was on Dec. 24-25, 2004 with 1.5 to 3 inches of the snow recorded throughout the area. Brownsville and Harlingen received 1.5 inches of snow, South Padre Island at 2.5 inches and McAllen received 3.5 inches. ACCU Weather reports La Niña is still in play and it tends to steer storms northward, cutting the southern portion of the U.S. off from moisture.

Many who love to run will be showcasing their strength and determination during an upcoming fitness event on South Padre Island.

From developing policies and approving budgets to awarding contracts, those elected to city council are responsible for conducting a variety of tasks.

For Nicki Graham, any day involving sea turtles is a good day. As a Sea Turtle Inc. volunteer, Graham conducts a variety of tasks with the South Padre Island-based facility.

The theme for the 2021 McAllen Holiday Parade was unveiled Thursday on South Padre Island by McAllen and SPI city officials.

As someone who grew up with a family of artists and advocates of the arts, Kristi Abbott quickly discovered what her passion is.

Those planning to travel between Port Isabel and South Padre Island early tomorrow morning might have a slight delay.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — For Deanna Powell, 27, the realm of art is something she’s always had interest in because she’s found the field to be captivating.

The Coast Guard rescued an overdue kayaker Sunday near Port Isabel after his wife reported him missing.

Sales tax revenues continue to increase in the Rio Grande Valley, nearly all cities posting double-digit gains from a year ago on sales made in August.

After several years of planning and receiving input gained from the community, this area is moving another step closer to getting its makeover.

Fraudulent Puerto Rico identification cards, a carefree sing along to the radio and a story about a group of friends visiting South Padre Island didn't fool Border Patrol agents working Monday at the Sarita checkpoint.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel assisted two mariners aboard a fishing vessel that was taking on water off South Padre Island on Sunday.

The fall bird migration has barely begun, yet many birders are wondering if the spectacular number of rare and unusual bird species will make repeat appearances like they did over the past year.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms that have been passing through the Rio Grande Valley these past few days, Sandcastle Days sand sculptors have been giving it their all to create sculpted works of art.

The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a flood advisory for parts of eastern Cameron County until 1:15 p.m. and a flood watch for the entire Rio Grande Valley.

Several sand sculptors from around the country and world are competing in the Island’s 33rd Annual Sandcastle Days competition that’s being held at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill this week. Master sand sculptors Walter “Amazin Walter” McDonald and Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga founded the event 34 years ago. The amateur competition is open to kids, families, groups and individuals. Sandcastle Days will continue on Saturday with amateur registration and free sandcastle lessons beginning at 8 a.m. The Sandcastle Days Mercado will be open from 10 a.m. to close.

Tropical Storm Nicholas is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Texas coast, threatening to bring heavy rain and floods. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for many of the state’s coastal regions.

Here are things to know for Monday, August 9:

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in the killings of three woman at a home in the Texas resort town of South Padre Island.

Whether you’re planning to fly internationally or take a road trip this summer with the family, why not take advantage of some great deals available for your next getaway.

People gathered on the beach in front of Clayton’s Beach Bar during spring break on South Padre Island on Wednesday. In the early weeks of the pandemic in March 2020, colleges across the state extended spring break and then moved to online-only classes afterward largely due to initial fears about facilitating the spread of the coronavirus. AdBut spring break for many is now coinciding with Gov. Ad“With spring break, the biggest high risks are going to be people who are young adults,” Cervantes said. “We encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the university’s public health guidance: wWear a mask (double up!

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Space enthusiasts have to wait another few days to potentially see SpaceX’s Mars-bound vehicle pass a now 12.5km flight test. As soon as next week, the Starship SN8 prototype is expected to make a 41,010-foot flight at SpaceX’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas. In the latest documents filed with the FAA, there is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) filed with the FAA for a 12.5km flight. “It’s just so cool how those things line up together,” Staci Norton, Bret Norton’s wife, said. Staci Norton said the space program is inspiring the younger generation.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The shores at Isla Blanca Park are expected to be the place where hundreds of space enthusiasts and islanders go to watch a test launch across the water at SpaceX’s Starship facility in Boca Chica, Texas. With the Starship SN8 launch teasingly imminent, South Padre Island has found a lot more tourists walking the streets. The view of the SpaceX launch facility just a few miles across the water. “Everybody wants to see it happening,” said James Baxter, a Houston native and South Padre Island transplant. I was so excited!”They don’t think they will leave South Padre Island.

Hurricane Hanna created problems for Texans in places like Port Mansfield, South Padre Island and Corpus Christi, as strong winds and heavy rain hit those areas. Here is footage from one of our stringers, Max Olson, as it caused damage in Port Mansfield. #HurricaneHanna #txwx pic.twitter.com/eAh7vTc7mm — Stephen Jones (@Tornado_Steejo) July 25, 2020Still ripping in the SW eye wall of Hurricane Hanna over Port Mansfield Texas. #Hurricane Hanna# pic.twitter.com/JrU8pLMJAn — WitchyWitch (@road2liberty) July 26, 2020Prayers for the folks in Port Aransas. #HurricaneHanna pic.twitter.com/yUrP4lZqrW — Travis M. Smith (@Travis5mith) July 25, 2020South Padre IslandPadre Island, Texas a few minutes ago as Hurricane Hanna approaches.

You can see what it looks like along the Texas coast through a variety of beach and city cams as Hurricane Hanna makes landfall. Here are live cameras from Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and Port Aransas:Corpus ChristiHere is the link to see the cams for Corpus Christi beaches, including Whitecap Beach and North Padre Sea Wall. Here is the link to see the North Padre Sea Wall cam. South Padre IslandHere is the link to see the cams for South Padre Island beaches, including north and south beaches. Here is the link to see the South Padre Island Beach cam.

Everyone who goes to South Padre Island passes through Port Isabel, but there are plenty of reasons to make this bay front town your final destination. Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic SiteIn this town, there is no spot more quintessential than the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Port Isabel Historical MuseumThis is the go-to spot for all ship nerds and history buffs. I was amazed to learn that the humble town played a critical role in both the Civil War and the founding of Brownsville, a city 40 minutes southwest of Port Isabel. To view the Port Isabel episode visit thedaytripper.com.Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @chettripper.

All rights reserved)Willacy County, which covers parts of South Padre Island, is enforcing its residents to wear a mask when out in public. Or face a$1,000 fine. The requirement also states surgical masks or N95 respirators should not be worn and should continue to be reserved for medical professionals on the frontline. The order states those found in violation of the order can be fined up to $1,000. “The penalty for violating the Mandatory Cloth Face Covering requirement of the provision shall be punishable by a fine not exceed $1,000.000 per violation,” the order reads.

The City of South Padre Island is taking action, but it isn’t what most would have in mind. The beach isn’t closed. Any violation of the orders enforced by the City of South Padre Island is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. Here are some of the odd rules being enforced in South Padre:Gatherings on the beach will be limited to 10 persons on less. Click here for the full list of rules issued by the City of South Padre Island.

Despite warnings to social distance, Texas spring breakers are still gathering to party in large groups. Pictured below is a group of friends from Dallas who attend Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, University of North Texas and the University of Kansas. It isn’t looking much for different for spring breakers in South Padre Island. pic.twitter.com/YGwOwVxH99 — Marissa🧡 (@Charmed_One_Too) March 18, 2020On Monday, the mayor of South Padre Island declared a local state of emergency. Despite both declarations, spring breakers continued to party in South Padre Island.