LV City Manager outlines priorities for New Year

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL  & DIANTÉ MARIGNY Special to the PRESS The Town of Laguna Vista is entering 2026 with a clear set of priorities for community improvement, according to City Manager Victor Treviño’s Weekly Update released January 2, 2026. The message, shared on the Town’s official Facebook page, and on the official city website, extends …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/08/lv-city-manager-outlines-priorities-for-new-year/

PI Animal Advisory Board met, first in decade

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   The Port Isabel Animal Advisory Board has scheduled a regular meeting for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the City Chambers Meeting Room at 305 East Maxan, according to an official notice from the City Secretary’s office. This marks the first meeting of the board …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/08/pi-animal-advisory-board-met-first-in-decade/

Hartwell hits ground running at SPI City Council Meeting

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS South Padre Island Councilwoman-elect Aarin  Hartwell  says  her recent  experience  at  a  City Council meeting on December 17 reinforced her concerns about transparency, public participation, and the city’s approach to committee  appointments. Hartwell said she observed “zero eye contact” during Councilman Ken Medders’ swearing-in ceremony and described the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/hartwell-hits-ground-running-at-spi-city-council-meeting/

Sea Turtle Inc. encourages recycling

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS  Sea Turtle Inc. is inviting residents to give their natural Christmas trees a second life this holiday season by donating them to support dune restoration and sea turtle conservation efforts. The organization has been recycling Christmas trees for more than a decade, using them to help build up …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/sea-turtle-inc-encourages-recycling/

TOY GIVEAWAY: Port Isabel kids receive gifts from Cameron County Constable

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS  The Cameron County Constable Precinct 1 Office continued its annual holiday tradition this year with the 5th Annual Toy Drive, bringing Christmas cheer to children and families across the community, including Laguna Heights. According to Constable Norman Esquivel, more than 500 toys were distributed in Laguna Heights alone. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/toy-giveaway-port-isabel-kids-receive-gifts-from-cameron-county-constable/

Moments in Time: Pharr man is shot 4 times through back

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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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/moments-in-time-pharr-man-is-shot-4-times-through-back/

Port Isabel Mid-Year Sports Review

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS Port Isabel Early College High School recently had their 2025-2026 Fall Sports Recognition Night. The banquet started off with Team Tennis head coach Maria Ramon recognizing the team members: Angelina Delgado, Kalleigh Elkins, Maya Garcia, Justin Garza, Noe Hernandez, Diego Lara, Dannai Limon, Jade Marquez, Yeshua Martinez, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/port-isabel-mid-year-sports-review/

Port Isabel Sirens looking for recruits

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS Local semi-pro full contact women’s football team, Port Isabel Sirens, is currently looking for more players to join their team. Women 17+ can join with zero membership fees, and no experience is needed. All equipment will be provided to the participants. Furthermore, the program will be offering …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/01/01/port-isabel-sirens-looking-for-recruits/

Oceanfront Ice Skating Comes to South Padre Island

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS South Padre Island is widely known for its beaches, warm climate, and outdoor recreation, but visitors and residents now have the chance to enjoy an unexpected seasonal activity along the shoreline: ice skating. The Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island is offering a beachfront ice skating rink that …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2025/12/25/oceanfront-ice-skating-comes-to-south-padre-island/

Angel Tree Program Brings Holiday Joy To Laguna Madre Area

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The holiday season will be brighter for hundreds of children in the Laguna Madre community thanks to The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which is providing Christmas gifts to families in need through the Port Isabel Service Unit in Laguna Vista. Angel Tree is a long-standing holiday tradition …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2025/12/25/angel-tree-program-brings-holiday-joy/