SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

The long neglected Children’s Beach at Cameron County’s Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island is finally getting some attention.

If you’re dreaming of having a white Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley this year, you are out of luck. ACCU Weather on Wednesday released its white Christmas 2021 forecast and states there is a 5% chance that South Texas could see snow on Christmas. The last time the Valley had a white Christmas was on Dec. 24-25, 2004 with 1.5 to 3 inches of the snow recorded throughout the area. Brownsville and Harlingen received 1.5 inches of snow, South Padre Island at 2.5 inches and McAllen received 3.5 inches. ACCU Weather reports La Niña is still in play and it tends to steer storms northward, cutting the southern portion of the U.S. off from moisture.

Many who love to run will be showcasing their strength and determination during an upcoming fitness event on South Padre Island.

From developing policies and approving budgets to awarding contracts, those elected to city council are responsible for conducting a variety of tasks.

For Nicki Graham, any day involving sea turtles is a good day. As a Sea Turtle Inc. volunteer, Graham conducts a variety of tasks with the South Padre Island-based facility.

The theme for the 2021 McAllen Holiday Parade was unveiled Thursday on South Padre Island by McAllen and SPI city officials.

As someone who grew up with a family of artists and advocates of the arts, Kristi Abbott quickly discovered what her passion is.

Those planning to travel between Port Isabel and South Padre Island early tomorrow morning might have a slight delay.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — For Deanna Powell, 27, the realm of art is something she’s always had interest in because she’s found the field to be captivating.

The Coast Guard rescued an overdue kayaker Sunday near Port Isabel after his wife reported him missing.

Sales tax revenues continue to increase in the Rio Grande Valley, nearly all cities posting double-digit gains from a year ago on sales made in August.

After several years of planning and receiving input gained from the community, this area is moving another step closer to getting its makeover.

Fraudulent Puerto Rico identification cards, a carefree sing along to the radio and a story about a group of friends visiting South Padre Island didn't fool Border Patrol agents working Monday at the Sarita checkpoint.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel assisted two mariners aboard a fishing vessel that was taking on water off South Padre Island on Sunday.

The fall bird migration has barely begun, yet many birders are wondering if the spectacular number of rare and unusual bird species will make repeat appearances like they did over the past year.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms that have been passing through the Rio Grande Valley these past few days, Sandcastle Days sand sculptors have been giving it their all to create sculpted works of art.

The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a flood advisory for parts of eastern Cameron County until 1:15 p.m. and a flood watch for the entire Rio Grande Valley.

Several sand sculptors from around the country and world are competing in the Island’s 33rd Annual Sandcastle Days competition that’s being held at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill this week. Master sand sculptors Walter “Amazin Walter” McDonald and Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga founded the event 34 years ago. The amateur competition is open to kids, families, groups and individuals. Sandcastle Days will continue on Saturday with amateur registration and free sandcastle lessons beginning at 8 a.m. The Sandcastle Days Mercado will be open from 10 a.m. to close.

Several sand sculptors from around the country and world are competing in the Island’s 33rd Annual Sandcastle Days competition that’s being held at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill this week. Master sand sculptors Walter “Amazin Walter” McDonald and Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga founded the event 34 years ago. The amateur competition is open to kids, families, groups and individuals. Sandcastle Days will continue on Saturday with amateur registration and free sandcastle lessons beginning at 8 a.m. The Sandcastle Days Mercado will be open from 10 a.m. to close.

The Cameron County Parks Department is about to embark on a major parking lot upgrade for Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island. “As you know, we’ve just done $30 million in improvements to Isla Blanca Park,” Joe Vega, county parks director, said Monday. “It’s the extension of Parking Lot 10, and Parking Lot 10 is located just west of the Sandpipers Pavilion,” Vega said. As might be expected, a major construction project in the fragile coastal dunes which make up the shoreline at Isla Blanca Park can be problematic. “I tell people Isla Blanca Park is like a front-row seat to a SpaceX launch.”Sepulveda also mentioned SpaceX launches, and he conceded the Isla Blanca parking lots “get full pretty quick” weekends.

MARATHON, Fla. (AP) — A large loggerhead sea turtle rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital was flown by private plane Sunday to live at a conservation facility in the Rio Grande Valley.

A large loggerhead sea turtle rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital has a new home in Texas.

Those arriving to McAllen by air travel now have greater access to reaching the Rio Grande Valley’s southernmost beach destination.

The National Weather Service in Brownsville released a hazardous weather outlook Thursday afternoon affecting the coast.

Valley children who write and draw might find themselves building sandcastles with their families for an entire week at South Padre Island next summer.

An 11-year-old girl visiting the beach on South Padre Island was hospitalized from a suspected shark bite, according to city officials.

Even before the partial collapse of the Queen Isabella Causeway in 2001 cut off all overland access to South Padre Island, residents and officials already were clamoring for a second causeway. Two decades later, even in light of that tragedy, we’re no closer to that bridge than we were back then. Meanwhile, our growing population and tourism have only made congestion on the single bridge worse every year.

Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic collapse of the Queen Isabella Causeway, which took the lives of eight people.

Sales tax allocations for July indicate local economies are definitely on the rebound from their pandemic-related malaise, with practically every major Valley city posting double-digit gains over a year ago.

Collecting seashells on the beach may be a fun pastime for many. Looking at the wide variety of shells you can find, you may wonder what creature was living in it before it washed up onshore.

Since Paragraphs Books closed its doors early last year there’s been no place on the Island to buy the things until a few days ago, when business partners Will Everett and Roin Khurami flipped the switch on Karma Coffee and Books at 2500 Padre Blvd.

This week, Cameron County officials addressed the SOL Beach Fest, an event that was held on Aug. 28 inside Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island.

No cheese sandwiches have been reported, however.

At most marinas, boaters are able to enjoy easy access to facilities and important resources, such as fueling up, grabbing a bite to eat and more after a long day spent on the water.

Some South Padre Island business owners are puzzling over an Aug. 23 visit by a clipboard-wielding individual claiming to be conducting a survey of their buildings to determine whether their windows are hurricane-rated. In some cases the person or persons offered no further information, though in other cases volunteered that they were doing the survey for an anonymous insurance company on behalf of SpaceX. When we asked what he wanted, he said he was from SpaceX and was checking area businesses to see if their windows were hurricane proof (i.e. “I walked out to the courtyard because I saw him looking really closely at the windows,” she said. “He said I’m just doing a window survey if that’s OK,” she said.

Prior to Friends of RGV Reef’s efforts, this area at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico was once bare and lacked a safe place where fish could protect themselves and stay out of the sea’s swift current.

Prior to Friends of RGV Reef’s efforts, this area at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico was once bare and lacked a safe place where fish could protect themselves and stay out of the sea’s swift current.

Although Hurricane Grace is now over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen Friday, the hurricane will have little impact in the Rio Grande Valley. The National Weather Service in Brownsville reports the main impact for Deep South Texas will be an increased risk of rip currents, increased swells, and coastal runup at South Padre Island and Boca Chica beaches this weekend. Grace is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of Mexico late Friday night or early Saturday morning. The NWS reports there is also the possibility that some rain bans on the north side of Grace could move across the Valley beginning Friday and will continue into the weekend. There’s a 20% chance of rain Friday with a 30% chance of scattered showers that night, and a 40% chance of showers on Saturday.

A Texas man has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of three women at a condo on South […] The post Texas man accused of killing 3 women at resort island appeared first on TheGrio.

Sales tax allocations released Wednesday showed double-digit increases over last June for nearly all the major cities in the Rio Grande Valley.

A 23-year-old Texas man has been charged with capital murder in the killings of three woman in the costal resort community of South Padre Island.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND (AP) — A 23-year-old Texas man is charged with capital murder in the killings of three woman on South Padre Island. A judge on Monday ordered Yordi Barthelemy held without bond on the murder charge stemming from the fatal shootings of the women at an island condominium Saturday. The dead women, ages 46, 47 and 65, were members of the same family and from the Houston area, according to police. The condos are believed to be the Sunchase Beachfront Condos at 1010 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island authorities said he would be transported to the Cameron County Jail, but he was not listed in jail records Monday afternoon.

Three Houston-area women were shot and killed late Saturday night at a condo complex on South Padre Island, authorities say.

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in the killings of three woman at a home in the Texas resort town of South Padre Island.

Officers were called to a “family disturbance” at a condominium in the island city around 10 p.m. Saturday and arrived to find the women shot dead, police said in a statement. Police said the suspect fled the scene of the shooting but later turned himself in and was arrested in the neighboring community of Port Isabel. Police did not identify the man, who they said is being held on South Padre Island pending formal charges.

Critically endangered leatherback sea turtle hatchlings took their first flippered steps to freedom Friday on South Padre Island.

The 61-year-old was a popular captain on the island.

McAllen Memorial alumni and identical twins Evan and Trevor Williams will be among nearly 1,000 lifeguards and junior lifeguards from across the country competing beginning today in the United States Lifesaving (USLA) National Lifeguard Championships at South Padre Island. The Williams twins grew up spending summers and weekends at South Padre Island fishing and surfing, which led to a start as junior lifeguards. They now serve as lifeguards with South Padre Island Ocean Rescue. “Being a lifeguard means protecting the ocean here at South Padre Island, and growing up being so close to it, the dream is always to help people. Admission is free for the annual competition, with a majority of the action taking place behind Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island.

Aspiring oyster farmers may want to take note of an oyster farming workshop being hosted by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory on South Padre Island Aug. 5-6.

AEP Texas is working on restoring power to South Padre Island residents after a transformer at a substation went down Sunday afternoon, according to Mayor Patrick McNulty.

Based on the latest record breaking numbers, it appears that many vacationers are spending their time in this coastal city.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley department of intercollegiate athletics announced Thursday that it will host the inaugural UTRGV South Padre Island Battle on the Beach, featuring men’s basketball games between UTRGV and Northern Arizona as well as Texas Tech and Incarnate Word on Nov. 20 at the SPI Convention Centre.

A 25-year-old South Padre Island man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.

For nearly four years the nonprofit SPI Beach Clean Up has been working hard with its team of loyal volunteers and local business sponsors to help clean up the beaches of South Padre Island.

This summer, young campers have been able to experience being a wetland biologist while enjoying the marvels of coastal environments and wildlife in the Laguna Madre area.

The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday seized nearly 400 pounds of marijuana near Brownsville after receiving a tip that alleged drug smugglers were trying to cross the drugs on a raft.

The windy conditions on Saturday guided four nesting Kemp’s ridley sea turtles to shore, Padre Island National Seashore officials say.

Update April 5, 2021: This special was previously recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles and Kemp's ridley sea turtles suffering from cold stun are laid out to recover Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at the South Padre Island Convention Center on South Padre Island, Texas. It's been the largest cold-stunning event for sea turtles recorded in the U.S. since the network was established in 1980. AdWhen water temperatures drop below about 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius), sea turtles become lethargic and are unable to swim. Some of the cold-stunned sea turtles had other problems as well, including hook infections and injuries from boats, Knight said. Almost all of the rescued sea turtles were green turtles, Schroeder said.

People gathered on the beach in front of Clayton’s Beach Bar during spring break on South Padre Island on Wednesday. In the early weeks of the pandemic in March 2020, colleges across the state extended spring break and then moved to online-only classes afterwards largely due to initial fears about facilitating the spread of the coronavirus. AdBut spring break for many is now coinciding with Gov. Ad“With spring break, the biggest high risks are going to be people who are young adults,” Cervantes said. “We encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the university’s public health guidance: wWear a mask (double up!

Bob Hall Pier is closed until further notice due to construction. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will temporarily close some saltwater fishing spots along the coast — including some on Padre Island and near Rockport, Fulton and Aransas Pass — due to freezing weather. The 21 fishing sites will close at midnight on Monday and stay closed until 11:59 p.m., TPWD said in a news release on Saturday. During that time, fishing will be off-limits in these areas in an effort to protect the wildlife and resources. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX – Padre Island National Seashore officials announced Friday that crews are rebuilding and replacing materials damaged by Hurricane Hanna and they expect to have the park reopen in the next week or two. Mobi-mats provide traction... Posted by Padre Island National Seashore on Friday, August 7, 2020From July 22- 27, the county reported that Hurricane Hanna brought up to 11 inches of rainfall in some parts of the county. On July 27, seashore officials said that the storm caused damage from the mile 5 post to the mile 20 post. Hurricane Hanna damage picture update Picture 1: South Beach access road Picture 2: South Beach access road Picture 3:... Posted by Padre Island National Seashore on Monday, July 27, 2020All parks and beach accesses were closed across the seashore after large debris blocked off roads and trails. Related: Padre Island National Seashore closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Hanna

SAN ANTONIO – At beaches along the Texas coast and across the country, surf’s up and so are restrictions. For example, at South Padre Island, city beaches are open but gatherings are limited to 10 people. As for face coverings, take one along to any beach. Scope out the crowds early with these live videosIf you go for a swim, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you remove face coverings because it’s difficult to breathe when they’re wet. Live webcams provide a glimpse at several beaches around Texas and the country.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – A San Antonio family’s stay at a beach resort in South Padre Island took quite the unexpected turn on Saturday after a massive fire broke out at a nearby condominium complex. Reynaldo Gutierrez, his wife and their 14-year-old daughter were staying at the Beach Resort At South Padre Island when they witnessed the massive fire at the Gulfpoint Condominiums building around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The resort’s electricity was shut down, storms were rolling in and Gutierrez said his family was struck with fear at the sight of the building being engulfed in flames. “They were scared and I don’t blame them... Report: Massive fire destroys condominium complex on South Padre Island

Published: May 16, 2020, 10:10 am Updated: May 16, 2020, 2:06 pmSOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – A massive fire completely destroyed a condominium complex on South Padre Island Saturday morning, according to a report from KRGV. The Valley Star reported firefighters were working to extinguish the flames by spraying water from a nearby parking garage. Firefighters from South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Los Fresnos and Brownsville were called to the scene to assist in the fire response, per KRGV. Praying it won’t spread 🙏🏼 Posted by Alvaro Costilla on Saturday, May 16, 2020The building was deemed a total loss with damages estimating around $7 million and no injuries were reported, according to KRGV. SAFD: Family of four loses home in massive fire on West Side

Published: May 15, 2020, 11:03 am Updated: May 15, 2020, 11:41 amSAN ANTONIO – Did you know South Padre Island is home to some of the biggest, most powerful best-shaped waves in Texas? That its sand is the best in the world for making sandcastles? SA Live digs up fun for the whole family in a special encore episode of its South Padre Island show on-the-go today at 1 p.m.! For more information, visit sopadre.com. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick or your smart TV or watch it now in the video below.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The City of South Padre Island has officially reopened with limitations in place in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. “We are so excited that the light at the end of the tunnel continues to brighten and we welcome all of our visitors to return to the Island that they enjoy and love. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March. The first case confirmed in the U.S. was in mid-January and the first case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.

A couple from Michigan who recently spent a few months vacationing in South Padre Island has tested positive for COVID-19 in their home state, according to a press release. A notice on the Cameron County website said the couple spent a few months on the island, and traveled from there to Idaho in February and early March for a wedding, where they were in contact with someone there who later tested positive. After returning to South Padre for a few days after the wedding, they traveled back to Michigan “on or about March 11” and were diagnosed in their home state, where they currently are being monitored. “Fortunately, based on the information we have received thus far, the two individuals to proactive measures and home isolated themselves after their return trip from Idaho until they left for South Padre Island.”COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Thousands are calling for South Padre Island to cancel this year’s spring break events in an effort to limit COVID-19 exposure, according to an online petition. According to the online, nonbinding petition on change.org, more than 6,800 people have signed in support of the cancellation, as of Sunday afternoon. As of Sunday, all of the live music events on South Padre Island were still scheduled as planned, according to the PadreU Spring Break Vacations website. The petition asks city officials to cancel this year’s events to keep spring breakers safe and healthy:“Recent news has caused us to panic regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), but more so to take precautions. How do major conferences, concerts, sporting events cancel all public outings and Spring Break still be ON at South Padre Island, Texas, this and all other concert venues and events SHOULD HAVE canceled as well.

Inside the Birding & Nature Center at South Padre Island | SA Live | KSAT 12Published: March 13, 2020, 6:50 pmJen Tobias-Struski takes you inside the Birding & Nature Center in South Padre Island to get the full experience.

Jen Tobias-Struski takes you inside Sea Turtle Inc. in South Padre Island. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

BOCA CHICA BEACH, Texas – Check out this video that took place south of San Antonio where a SpaceX ship had its top blown off. The incident occurred at Boca Chica Beach near South Padre Island. According to KRGV, the SpaceX MK-1 ship was undergoing pressure testing when the top blew off. No injuries were reported.