By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   The Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners met on November  6, 2025, moving forward on key administrative and community-focused matters. After approving minutes from the prior meeting, commissioners reviewed routine bills which were approved following clarification from staff. Quarterly and monthly financial reports were presented …

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    By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com   A dramatic law-enforcement operation unfolded Sunday evening at the Margaritaville Beach Resort on South Padre Island when a guest allegedly barricaded himself inside a hotel room armed with a firearm, sparking a multi-hour standoff. The suspect has been identified as Fernando Martinez Henize, 49, of Naperville, Illinois. According …

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By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com   Dennis Stahl, who served as mayor of South Padre Island from 2017 until his resignation in 2019, was arrested on Monday on a charge of solicitation of prostitution, according to law‑enforcement records. The  arrest  stems  from an  October  1  incident  at  a  restaurant  on  the Island, where a 22‑year‑old employee …

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By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS   This past Friday, October 31, the (5-4) Port Isabel ECHS Tarpons took to the road as they faced (1-7) La Grulla Gators in their last district game of the season. Entering the game, the Tarpons were coming off an impressive 37-14 win over La Feria. After …

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By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS   Senior, Luis Ramos (5’-10”/175lbs) is currently in his fourth season playing running back for the Port Isabel Tarpons. During his freshman year, Ramos wasn’t physically imposing, but his speed on the field was undeniable, so the coaches elevated him to the varsity squad. In his early …

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  By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com   Voters on South Padre Island went to the polls this week to decide two key City Council seats, returning one familiar face to office and setting up a close outcome in another race. In the Council Member Place 1 race, Ken Medders Jr. won re-election with a commanding 60.61% …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   The Laguna Vista Community Development Corporation voted Monday to table a funding request from the Laguna Vista Recreation Association for repairs to the town marina’s boat ramp, scheduling a workshop on Nov. 17 for further review. The board cited the need for complete engineering plans, multiple bids, …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   Laguna Vista’s Parks and Recreation Board reconvened this week to review a $300,000 park improvement plan and restart progress on long-awaited upgrades. The project combines a $150,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Local Park Grant with a matching $150,000 city allocation and focuses heavily on (Americans with …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   After years of success as a hairdresser in the high-end neighborhoods and luxury salons of Dallas, Sara Gabbert traded the city skyline for the serenity of the coast. Now serving the Laguna Madre area, she brings not only her talent but also a renewed spirit and a …

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By Steve Hathcock Special to the PRESS Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley. Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for the Port Isabel South Padre Press. …

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