Category: News

SALES TAX REPORT: Laguna Madre cities see another bump in September

By JACOB LOPEZ Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com For the second consecutive month, Laguna Madre area cities reported sales tax gains with the exception of one. Port Isabel reported a significant 4.97 percent bump in September with $166,141.02 in sales tax collections, up from $158,271.41 reported during the same time last year. This is a continued …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/20/sales-tax-report-laguna-madre-cities-see-another-bump-in-september/

INKING A FUTURE: Torres on track to UTSA

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Port Isabel High School senior Gabriyella Torres committed to a scholarship offer by The University of Texas at San Antonio to be a part of their track and field program on Wednesday. Friends and family wearing UTSA shirts surprised her on her big day with flowers and a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/20/inking-a-future-torres-on-track-to-utsa/

Board OKs controversial rate hike

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Newly-elected members were sworn in at the Laguna Madre Water District meeting held this past Wednesday. Rick Wells and Nancy Martinez succeeded Rudy H. Garcia and Robert Vela, respectively. Jeff Keplinger took over as chairman for Scott D. Friedman after four years of service, and long-time administrative staff …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/board-oks-controversial-rate-hike/

FEAST OF SHARING: Local grocer helps feed 1,200 at Port Isabel High

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com HEB’s sixth annual Feast of Sharing celebration commenced at Port Isabel High School on Nov. 12 as a way to thank customers for their continued support. Point Isabel ISD handled the operations including cooking and serving the meals. Volunteers prepared over 600 pounds of traditional thanksgiving foods including …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/feast-of-sharing-local-grocer-helps-feed-1200-at-port-isabel-high/

Sebastián presents Zodiac Sculpture Exhibit

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com A fascinating harmonization of astrology and art was on display at the South Padre Island Event Center this past Friday under an appropriately starry night. Renowned Mexican sculptor Sebastián and representatives of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center took their audience through scientific and imaginative interpretations of the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/sebastian-presents-zodiac-sculpture-exhibit/

Dramatic study reveals economic impact of child abuse

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Award-winning economist Ray Perryman Ph. D was on South Padre Island Nov. 7 to present a staggering new study regarding the national economic effects of child abuse as part of the Child Abuse Conference at the Isla Grande Beach Resort. The Perryman Group pegged child maltreatment as a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/dramatic-study-reveals-economic-impact-of-child-abuse/

Blue Sunday aims to brighten abused children’s Christmas

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com The Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention Initiative has been effective in helping communities meet the unique needs of young victims of abuse in South Texas for 20 years, hosting a number of programs year ‘round in collaboration with Child Protective Services. Blue Sunday has an international reach, but …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/blue-sunday-aims-to-brighten-abused-childrens-christmas/

Pinkerton reflects on 22 years of service

By ABBEY KUNKLE Special to the PRESS The Mayor’s State of the Island Address this year was unique considering the fact that after 22 years, South Padre Island Mayor Robert Pinkerton Jr. is stepping down from public office. Although it was difficult to condense 22 years into 15 minutes, Pinkerton shared an emotional reflection on …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/pinkerton-reflects-on-22-years-of-service/

Local officials react to Cascos’ Secretary of State nomination

By JACOB LOPEZ Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Texas Governor-Elect Greg Abbott appointed Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos his prospective nominee for Texas Secretary of State on Tuesday. If the nomination is confirmed by the Senate, Cascos’ capacity as Secretary would include duties as Chief Election Officer for Texas, assisting county election officials as well as …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/local-officials-react-to-cascos-secretary-of-state-nomination/

Murchison signs full scholarship with SMU

By ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com In front of a crowded Port Isabel High School gymnasium, senior Daniella Murchison accepted a full scholarship to join the track and field team at Southern Methodist University this past Wednesday. Murchison, who won gold for girls shot put at the 3A UIL State Track and Field Meet …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2014/11/13/murchison-signs-full-scholarship-with-smu/