By Trina Indi Johnson
Special to the PRESS
Maxan Street will now carry the name of Joe Castillo Sr., following a proclamation by the City of Port Isabel issued August 12, 2025, recognizing his “contributions to the Laguna Madre community” and honoring him as “one who made a great impact on the community.”
Castillo, who passed earlier this year, was best known as the founder of Gulf Seafood Market in 1983 and Joe’s Oyster Bar in 2001. For more than 40 years, his businesses were gathering places where locals and visitors were welcomed like family. The proclamation noted that Castillo “continued to serve fresh seafood daily and delivered warm, welcoming customer service to the community…often donating food to those in need.”
His dedication extended beyond entrepreneurship. He served more than 20 years on the Laguna Madre Water District Board of Directors and three years on the Point Isabel ISD school board. Director of Operations Robert Gomez described Castillo as “a very proactive board member who cared for the community and the water district staff.”
During his tenure on the water district, Castillo was credited with numerous improvements, including replacing clay collection pipes with PVC to reduce service call-outs, securing USDA grants for new and improved water and wastewater facilities, installing new valves to prevent citywide water outages during repairs, and helping revise the Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan. He also played a key role in renovating the Isla Blanca plant on South Padre Island and initiating the Manhole Rehabilitation Program in Laguna Vista, as noted in a 2000 press release highlighting his bid for re-election to the board.
City leaders emphasized that the dedication of Maxan Street ensures Castillo’s legacy remains visible at the heart of Port Isabel. The proclamation highlighted that his contributions were “not only to the business community, but to the entire Laguna Madre area.”
Those who knew Castillo remember him as a man of determination, humor, and generosity — someone who “fulfilled his dream” while leaving a lasting impact on both family and community.
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