Category: News

Church bazaar returns this weekend

Guests gather under a tent during last year’s Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Bazaar in Port Isabel. The annual fundraiser returns Sept. 26–27 with food, live music, games and raffles.  (courtesy photo/Victor Baldovinos ) Special to the PRESS Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church will hold its annual Bazaar Fundraiser …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/24/church-bazaar-returns-this-weekend/

BearKats take down Tarpons, 39-0

By: Constancio Martinez Jr After suffering a disappointing loss to 3A Rio Hondo (26-21) the previous week, the 4A Port Isabel Tarpons were looking for redemption against the visiting 3A Raymondville Bearkats. What was to be a bounce-back win instead turned out to be a devastating shutout loss. As the game got underway, the Bearkats …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/18/bearkats-take-down-tarpons-39-0/

Queen Isabella Days Returns After 41 Years

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com A celebration born alongside the opening of the Queen Isabella Causeway more than half a century ago is returning to Port Isabel after a 41-year absence. The City of Port Isabel will revive Queen Isabella Days Oct. 3–10, bringing eight days of community events, history, live entertainment and activities back to …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/136910/

SPI swim honor fallen veterans

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS A group of endurance athletes took on a 5K swim in the South Padre Island surf with a purpose extending beyond the physical challenge — remembering veterans who are no longer here and raising awareness and funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. Veteran Joseph De La Garza said …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/photos-for-spi-veterans-swim-story/

Community marks 25 years since Causeway collapse

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Port Isabel Fire Chief Jim Pigg joins fellow first responders during Monday’s ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Queen Isabella Causeway collapse. The annual observance honors the eight people who died, three survivors  and  all  those affected by the tragedy. Twenty-five years after the Queen Isabella Causeway collapsed into the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/136903/

Port Isabel finalizes Long Island designation

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Port Isabel City Commission moved forward with final action Sept. 10 designating 765.695 acres of Long Island as an industrial district, despite another round of opposition from Long Island Village residents who urged commissioners to stop the process. The special meeting followed action taken Sept. 9. Resolution …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/port-isabel-finalizes-long-island-designation/

Civil War-type cannonball found at Boca Chica

Steve Hathcock is a local historian, treasure hunter, and columnist for the Port Isabel South Padre Press, where he authors “Moments in Time,” a historical collection of recovered Rio Grande Valley newspaper briefs. A member of the Cameron County Historical Commission since 2010, he served two terms each as Chairman and Vice Chairman, during which …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/civil-war-type-cannonball-found-at-boca-chica/

Men’s Softball League Week 3 Update

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS The Laguna Madre Park men’s softball ball league wrapped up its third week of action this past Wednesday, Sept. 9 with plenty of movement in the standings as teams jockeyed for position and tournament seeding. After three weeks of play, Cantu’s (6-0) became the lone undefeated team …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/17/mens-softball-league-week-3-update/

Missing kayaker found dead

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com The body of a Midland man who disappeared while kayaking off South Padre Island over Labor Day weekend has been recovered following a multi-day search. Cameron County Park Rangers and Texas Game Wardens recovered the body of 59-year-old William Raney at approximately 2:21 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. The search began Saturday …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/10/missing-kayaker-found-dead/

Man charged with murder in wife’s death

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com BAYVIEW—A Bayview man is facing a murder charge following the death of his wife at  their home Sunday. Cameron County Sheriff’s deputies and investigators responded to the 29000 block of Siesta Lane after receiving a 911 call. Upon arrival, authorities found 43-year-old Dulce Vargas unresponsive and suffering from multiple apparent injuries, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/09/10/man-charged-with-murder-in-wifes-death/