By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
On Wednesday, July 19, the South Padre Island [SPI] City Council convened for their regularly scheduled meeting and it began with a remark from SPI Council Member Eva Jean Dalton.
“I know I sound like a broken record about this, but people, please watch the cross walks,” said Dalton. “[I] saw two girls almost get hit the other day…Whether those lights are flashing or not, slow down and pay attention.”
Following Dalton’s public comment, Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Schwartz made positively recognized the Beach Renourishment Project, which saw sand dredged from the Brownsville Ship Channel be added to public city beach on the Island, replenishing it. He thanked SPI’s Shoreline Task force for its part in the project, and SPI Mayor Patrick McNulty added another thanks to General Land Office [GLO] and the Army Corps of Engineers [USACE].
“You have no idea how much that added to our beach until you go out there and look at it,” said Schwartz. “Now from our crosswalks to the water’s edge – it is quite a hike.”
SPI Fire Chief Jim Pigg recognized the retirement of Operations Captain Oziel Garcia with a presentation. According to Pigg, Garcia had served the community with the SPI Fire Department [SPIFD] for the last ten years, since he came aboard the team in February, 2013. He was formerly employed by the Brownsville Fire Department. He initially joined the SPIFD as a fire fighter and has since climbed the ranks, eventually earning the position of Operations Captain. As well, he has filled other roles including EMS Supervisor and Building & Fleet Maintenance Coordinator.
“He has been a valuable asset not only to me, but to the City of South Padre Island,” said Pigg. “He has always been a reliable individual that has always been there when needed and/or called upon…He has done so much for us here that we cannot replace him.”
According to Pigg, Garcia coordinated spring break triage tents, staffed concerts and special events, attended hospital coordination meetings and numerous trainings. Pigg stressed that he was incredibly thankful for Garcia’s efforts regarding the coronavirus pandemic. According to Pigg, Garcia accumulated personal protective equipment [PPE] that was provided to first responders, the City and Cameron County. He also located and provided COVID-19 tests.
“We were one of the first people that were able to get the testing – that’s thanks to Garcia,” said Pigg.
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