Deadline for HOT tax registration approaches

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com The City of South Padre Island wants property owners to know that the deadline to register their properties in compliance with the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT tax) is fast approaching. City Ordinance No. 15-03 went into effect June 15, but the final deadline to register is July 1. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/deadline-for-hot-tax-registration-approaches/

SPI City Staff cuts budget for upcoming year

By ABBEY KUNKLE Special to the PRESS Considering that the fiscal year is nearing its end, the City Council met last week for a presentation from Finance Director Rodrigo Gimenez regarding the budget for the upcoming year. Gimenez started by covering the General Fund, which is expected to have approximately $11 million in revenue. The …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/spi-city-staff-cuts-budget-for-upcoming-year/

Shoreline Task Force discusses lack of public bay access

By ABBEY KUNKLE Special to the PRESS The Shoreline Task Force met Monday afternoon for their regular meeting. The main item up for discussion was how to address the lack of public bay access on the Island. Chairman Paul Munarriz brought up the issue regarding the public’s ability to access the Laguna Madre Bay and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/shoreline-task-force-discusses-lack-of-public-bay-access/

SPI Parks Committee addresses City’s maintenance issues

By ABBEY KUNKLE Special to the PRESS The SPI Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee met last week for their regular monthly meeting. With the fiscal year nearing its end and budgets being submitted for the upcoming year, committee members addressed confusion regarding the financial responsibility of park maintenance. Recently, the committee began working on a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/spi-parks-committee-addresses-citys-maintenance-issues/

SPI Planning and Zoning Committee expresses Fire Safety Concerns

By ABBEY KUNKLE Special to the PRESS The SPI Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) met last week for their regular monthly meeting. The committee did their part by bringing up fire safety concerns regarding a proposed special development plan at the Courtyard by Marriott First on the agenda, the committee held a public hearing regarding …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/spi-planning-and-zoning-committee-expresses-fire-safety-concerns/

Island surf still clean

While north Texas beaches are feeling the aftermath of Tropical Storm Bill, South Padre Island beaches remain open and safe to swim. Special to the PRESS With reports out of Galveston stating that levels of fecal bacteria are high along the Texas coastline, South Padre Island beaches remain open and free of bacteria.  “I encourage potential …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/island-surf-still-clean/

Letters to the Editor for 6-25-2015

Special to the PRESS Dear Editor, Why should the poorest county in the country give tax abatement to rich gas companies who have already determined that it is in their best interest to build LNG export facilities on the Brownsville ship channel? We don’t need to encourage them to come here – they have already …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/letters-to-the-editor-for-6-25-2015/

Bon Voyage! Sea Turtle Inc. releases first hatchlings of season

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Approximately 300 people crowded near the water at Beach Access #3 Wednesday to cheer on the release of over 90 Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings. The first hatchlings of the season started emerging from their nests this week, with public releases hosted by Sea Turtle Inc. on both Monday and Wednesday. The public …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/bon-voyage-sea-turtle-inc-releases-first-hatchlings-of-season/

Renaissance Man: Morales installs two murals at Convention Centre

By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Mario Morales is more than just a muralist.The Mexico City native, who now resides in Rancho Viejo, has always had a passion for the creative. For him, art is a catalyst for conversation. “Art form is and always has been a great way to introduce people to something,” he said. So when he …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/renaissance-man-morales-installs-two-murals-at-convention-centre/

Stumbaugh Looks Ahead to New Season

By LARRY GAGE Special to the PRESS Port Isabel Tarpon coaches and players alike have been looking forward to the 2015 football season since the 2014 season ended on a series of low notes six months ago.  Head P.I. football coach and athletic director Monty Stumbaugh will be out of his office after this Wednesday …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/06/26/stumbaugh-looks-ahead-to-new-season/