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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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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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   Laguna Vista’s Parks and Recreation Board reconvened this week to review a $300,000 park improvement plan and restart progress on long-awaited upgrades. The project combines a $150,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Local Park Grant with a matching $150,000 city allocation and focuses heavily on (Americans with …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   After years of success as a hairdresser in the high-end neighborhoods and luxury salons of Dallas, Sara Gabbert traded the city skyline for the serenity of the coast. Now serving the Laguna Madre area, she brings not only her talent but also a renewed spirit and a …

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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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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Laguna Madre Education Foundation (LMEF)—an affiliate of the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce—has officially reemerged with renewed purpose, fueled by a generous endowment and a shared commitment to strengthen the island’s economy and support Chamber members. Originally founded in 1996, the foundation was decommissioned around the …

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By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com   The South Padre Island Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee met on October 15  to discuss ongoing park improvements, upcoming events, and new signage plans across the city’s green spaces. Committee members highlighted the expansion of garden beds at Turtle Park, completed with help from city Parks staff, Adrian and …

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By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com   This week, we are proud to highlight the outstanding students of the week from our local schools, each demonstrating kindness, positivity, and dedication to learning. Aubrey Bridges – 3rd Grade Aubrey loves reading because “you get to learn different things,” and she appreciates her teachers for helping her grow. After …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS   The SPI Beach Clean Up group gathered volunteers once again on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for a spirited coastal cleanup that blended environmental stewardship with community pride. Participants made their way past the convention center to the flats, where they met for the morning’s effort. Founded six …

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By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS This past Saturday, October 25 the PIECHS Lady Tarpons volleyball team faced off against Jubilee Brownsville in their final regular season game.  By the end of the fourth set, the Lady Tarpons came out victorious in the match against the Lady Titans by a score of 3-1. …

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