Massive explosion at SpaceX Starbase rattles South Texas communities

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com A powerful explosion rocked SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica late Wednesday night, sending shockwaves across South Texas and startling residents from Port Isabel to Harlingen. The blast, which occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on June 18, was heard and felt in multiple cities, sparking concern across the region. According to …

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Reporter highlights possible SPI conflicts

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com An eight-minute investigative video produced by Dolcefino Media is raising questions about the use of taxpayer funds and potential conflicts of interest involving public officials in South Padre Island. The video, titled ‘The Island Mob’ highlights claims that public money has been used in ways that appear to benefit bars and …

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Cameron County Parks Department hosts holiday concert series

  By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON Special to the PRESS The Cameron County Parks Department is set to light up Isla Blanca Park this Independence Day weekend with two nights of live music at the Cameron County Amphitheater and Event Center, located at the southern tip of South Padre Island. On Friday, July 4, the department …

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Moments in Time: First Boat Docks for Fish Tourney

    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. First boat docks for fish tourney The first of some 50 boats for the 1951 fishing tournament arrived here Monday, and at …

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Summer track athlete wins heptathlon

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS On June 20-21, PIECHS student Elle Wall competed in the 2025 girls’ (15-16) Heptathlon event at the AU South Texas – Central District Qualifier held in Von Ormy, TX. Completed over two days, the Heptathlon is a combination of seven grueling events, including the 100m Hurdles, 200M …

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Tarpons 7on7 team secures spot in state tourney

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS On Friday, June 20th, Port Isabel hosted its annual “Battle by the Bay” 7on7 State Qualifying Tournament. The tourney featured six teams split into two pools, with Port Isabel, La Grulla, and Freer in Pool A, and Hidalgo, Stockdale, and Rio Hondo in Pool B. The Tarpons …

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Rare fish discovery at SPI Nature Camp surprises young explorers

  By TRINA ‘INDI’ JOHNSON Special to the PRESS A fish species not previously documented as part of South Padre Island’s wildlife was discovered last week by campers attending the SPI Birding and Nature Center’s Coastal Nature Camp. The fish, a fat sleeper, or Dormitator maculatus, was pulled from the last of three traps placed …

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MOMENTS IN TIME: Revenue cutter wrecks on Padre Island

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. REVENUE CUTTER WRECKS ON PADRE ISLAND The United States revenue cutter Alma was driven on Padre Island Texas, during the storm and all on …

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Garza launches campaign

    Special to the NEWS Mauro Garza announced this week that he will run as a Republican candidate for Cameron County Judge against Eddie Treviño. Garza released a launch video with his campaign announcement, outlining the reasons why he decided to run, including what he deemed as the mismanagement of county tax revenue and …

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’Tarps make All-District selections

  By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS The 2025 Port Isabel Early College High School young baseball team had a tough season, but several PIECHS players still left their mark on the field. Earning First Team, All-District Outfield honors was freshman, Joseph “Jojo” Martinez (Unanimous). A standout player, J. Martinez also earned Second …

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