By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with a federal grant application aimed at improving port infrastructure during its April meeting. Commissioners authorized consultant Salomon Torres to submit an application for the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program, which includes funding reserved for …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/board-advances-grant-awards-scholarships/
Apr 30 2026
FLOATING GOLD: The secret treasure of the deep
By Steve Hathcock Is there a fortune hiding beneath the sands of South Padre Island? Lately, a wave of curiosity has hit our readers: could a simple stroll along the shore lead to a piece of Ambergris—the legendary “Floating Gold” of the sea? To find the truth, I sat down with our resident whale expert, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/floating-gold-the-secret-treasure-of-the-deep/
Apr 30 2026
Great egrets grace Laguna waters
By M. Kathy Raines Astride a mangrove branch, the great egret stood tall, its sinuous, S-shaped neck touching a milky back. In a commixture of grace and severity, its intense eyes and bladelike bill pointed towards Laguna waters. Amid the jubilance of discovering prettily colored warblers refueling during spring migration, we mustn’t forget our lovely …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/great-egrets-grace-laguna-waters/
Apr 30 2026
Fam Jam keeps Island moving
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PARADE A weekly midweek event at Lobo Del Mar Cafe is drawing families and visitors for live music, dancing, and a relaxed bayside atmosphere. Known as Fam Jam Wednesday, the event takes place every Wednesday evening at the restaurant, offering live bands and cultural dance performances including Celtic music, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/fam-jam-keeps-island-moving/
Apr 30 2026
‘Lucy’s Diamonds’ brings Beatles tribute to life
By LAURIE COKER Special to the PARADE The El Paseo Foundation’s April 20–21 presentation of Lucy’s Diamonds, a Beatles tribute band, delivered an evening rooted in nostalgia and clear affection for The Beatles’ music. Structured around more than 30 songs, the performance traced the group’s evolution, accompanied by a pictorial slideshow that provided context not …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/lucys-diamonds-brings-beatles-tribute-to-life/
Apr 30 2026
SPI tournament draws boat owners, May 7-9
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PARADE The 26th Annual Shallow Sport & SCB Owners Tournament is scheduled for May 7–9, bringing anglers and boat owners to the Lower Laguna Madre for a weekend of fishing competition and community events. Participants will compete in Guided, Amateur, and Youth divisions, with teams selecting either artificial-only or …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/30/spi-tournament-draws-boat-owners-may-7-9/
Apr 23 2026
Library marks National Week
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Laguna Vista Public Library is celebrating National Library Week this April with a full lineup of programs designed to highlight its role as a hub for learning, creativity, and community connection. Observed nationwide each April, National Library Week recognizes the importance of libraries as spaces where people …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/23/library-marks-national-week/
Apr 23 2026
Political campaigning via text raises concerns
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS As the two candidates in Laguna Vista’s mayoral race connect with voters following a recent all-candidate forum in which not all candidates chose to participate, questions have also emerged about the use of campaign text messaging. Some residents in the South Padre Island Golf Club community say …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/23/136325/
Apr 23 2026
SPI Council weighs growth vs. costs
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS South Padre Island City Council moved forward on multiple development, infrastructure, and financial items during its April 15 meeting, with a major focus on the future of the city’s convention center and tourism strategy. A presentation from Hunden Partners dominated the discussion. The consulting firm, hired to evaluate …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/23/spi-council-weighs-growth-vs-costs/
Apr 23 2026
Lady Tarpons fall to Gators, 11-6
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS This past Tuesday, April 14 the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons softball team hosted their last home game against the RGC La Grulla Lady Gators during senior night. The game started off with some early excitement as the Lady Tarpons closed out the first inning with a 4-3 …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2026/04/23/lady-tarpons-fall-to-gators-11-6/
Comments