Writer’s Block: To the Class of 2017

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Congrats, Class of 2017! You’ve done it. You’ve arrived at graduation day. You’ve got your cap and gown, your stoles and cords, maybe even a class ring. Your family, friends and teachers are ready to cheer you on as you cross the stage this weekend and cross the …

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Rio History: The Galleon

By STEVE HATHCOCK Special to the PRESS A galleon’s weight varied from 100 to 1,000 tons. Her armament could include up to 40 guns of various caliber. The ship’s speed, depending on size and shape, could be anywhere from 4 to 8 knots. A medium sized galleon would carry about 100 sailors and passengers. In addition, …

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HATEFUL SPEECH

Family in ‘shock’ after man shouts anti-Muslim epithets By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com A family vacationing on South Padre Island is still reeling after they say a man harassed them by yelling anti-Muslim and sexually explicit epithets at them on the beach. “Total shock” is how Ahmed, one member of the family, described …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2017/05/12/hateful-speech/

Abbott signs bill banning sanctuary cities

Legislation faces law enforcement, public backlash By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com With no fanfare or advanced notice, Gov. Greg Abbott took to Facebook Live Sunday evening and signed into law a bill banning sanctuary cities. The video announcement lasted approximately five minutes during which Abbott expressed his thanks to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, …

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Causeway closed for hours after phone call

Causeway Run pic1

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Officials closed the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway for several hours Friday, May 5, after receiving a suspicious phone call alleging the bridge was structurally unsound. South Padre Island Chief of Police Randy Smith said the call came into the Harlingen 911 system and was transferred to SPI PD. …

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Candidates take oath of office in Laguna Vista

By MARTHA McCLAIN Special to the PRESS Incumbent Councilman Michael Carter and political newcomer Rolando Gonzalez were declared winners of Saturday’s Laguna Vista’s general and special election during a vote canvass here on Tuesday. Mayor Susie Houston and newcomers Johvanne Hernandez Howard and incumbent Frank Davalos Jr. were unopposed and were declared elected to the Council …

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Venue tax projects, dune walkovers top Council talks

By KEVIN RICH Special to the PRESS Venue tax projects, transit studies, code of ordinance amendments, and shoreline related topics highlighted the South Padre Island City Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 3. SPI Chief Financial Officer Rodrigo Gimenez presented a timetable related to the issuance of venue tax related bonds. In its April 5 meeting, …

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The Big Spend

CVA mulls marketing expenditure increase By KEVIN RICH Special to the PRESS The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Advisory Board (CVA) held a special meeting on Thursday, May 4 to discuss a revised proposal for enhanced summer and fall marketing of the Island. Steve Atkins, of The Atkins Group, introduced the proposal to the Board, …

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City recognizes motorcycle safety, police

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com The City of Port Isabel recognized Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month and Police Officer Week during a regular meeting Tuesday, May 9. The City joined South Padre Island and Laguna Vista leaders in recognizing Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month by presenting a proclamation to several area riders representing …

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Throwers Mock, Torres Ready for State

By LARRY GAGE Special to the PRESS Port Isabel High throwers Trey Mock and Ian Torres are as ready as they will ever be for this weekend’s UIL State Track and Field Meet.  Mock is competing in the discus competition and Torres in the shot put.  Both athletes are seniors and are making their first …

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