By ALEXANDREA BAILEY & GAYLE CURRY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Unruly Cactus Books and Coffee has become a staple in the Port Isabel Community since its opening in July 2021. The store is independently owned and operated by former teacher Gayle Curry. Her staff is comprised of her son, Corbin Robinson and Laguna Madre local Andrea R.. The …

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By ALEXANDREA BAILEY As of Nov. 2, 2024, The Chrome Wheels Band is celebrating 20 years. They decided South Padre Island, specifically the well-loved venue Laguna BOB, was the perfect place to ring in the anniversary. The acoustic duo consists of Brandon and Julie Jolley. The two have been married for the last 17 years. …

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By KATHY RAINES With damp, flowery patterns agleam in the sunshine, hundreds of translucent moon jellyfish decorated the sands at Isla Blanca Park one late September afternoon, delighting, but slightly discomfiting my grandchildren, fretful they might be stung. So, rather than swim, my granddaughter and I played “baby crocodiles” in the shallowest of pools formed …

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By ARABELLA SERRATA Special to the PARADE The Art Lounge recently opened an art exhibit called Whimsy. The exhibit features work from many artists, offering onlookers a truly fanciful experience. According to Shelly Hamsa, artist and owner of the Art Lounge the exhibit’s name, Whimsy, means “playfully quant, fanciful behaviors or humor, unusual, pleasant ideas …

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By LAURIE COKER In Heretic, directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods turn the horror genre on its head, using conversation instead of suspenseful silence to tell a chilling story. The film takes the premise of a theological debate between a pair of innocent Mormon missionaries and an unsettling host. It stretches it to its limits, …

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By ARABELLA SERRATA Special to the PARADE The holiday season is filled with many opportunities for family and friends to bond over good food and create lasting memories. During these times, there are resources to ensure that everyone, regardless of finances, can enjoy holiday staples. The annual Feast of Sharing and resources like food pantries …

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Special to the PARADE PHARR, TX—Texas Master Naturalist program training registration for the 2025 new class session is open through Dec. 15. Weekly classes are scheduled Jan. 9 through March 27, 2025. Registration is open to Winter Texans and residents of Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr counties over the age of 18 to join the South …

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The Biblio File is a book review column by anonymous writer Wordnerd. It highlights reads that can be purchased at The Unruly Cactus, an independent bookstore in Port Isabel. Russell Banks’ American Spirits is a poignant farewell gift to his readers, resonating deeply with the current social and political landscape. With three compelling stories, Banks …

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By STEVE HATHCOCK Special to the PARADE Minnesotan Frank Horak has been wintering on South Padre Island since 2001. Over the years, his son, Steve, a retired plumber and treasure hunter from St Paul Minn, has been able to join his family during the latter part of each winter. A couple of years back, the …

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By ALEXANDREA BAILEY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com At the Art Lounge’s upcoming unveiling of its Whimsy exhibit, an 11-year-old artist, Emma Garza, will present a live painting performance for her first time ever. Shelly Hamsa, owner of The Art Lounge began mentoring Emma this past summer. Angel Loo, an artist specializing in acrylic and oil cloudscapes and has …

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