District champs ready for bi-district battle in Robstown

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS   This coming Friday, November 14, the (6-4) Port Isabel ECHS Tarpons will hit the road to face off against the (6-3) Robstown Cotton Pickers in the first round of the playoffs. After a rough start to the season, where the Tarpons came out of their non-district …

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Laguna Vista council advances infrastructure, community initiatives

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   The Laguna Vista Town Council met Tuesday evening, November 11th at the South Texas Ecotourism Center, opening with a heartfelt Veterans Day prayer and a moment of remembrance for a councilmember Dr. Romero’s late father, a decorated Green Beret veteran, who recently passed away. The meeting proceeded …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2025/11/13/laguna-vista-council-advances-infrastructure-community-initiatives/

Laguna Madre communities honor veterans

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The spirit of patriotism and gratitude filled the Laguna Madre area this Veterans Day, as Laguna Vista and Port Isabel hosted ceremonies honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. At 9 a.m. on November 11, the Town of Laguna Vista held its Veterans Day …

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Navigation District advances key projects

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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Illinois man arrested after hours-long armed standoff at Margaritaville Resort

    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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Former SPI mayor arrested

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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Tarpons win district championship

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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PI’s lead back Luis Ramos spearheads offense

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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Medders re-elected, Hartwell leads tight race in South Padre Island Council elections

  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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Laguna Vista CDC delays vote on marina funding request

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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