Story Archives
Let's see what City Council did this week 👀
Feb 3 2023
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone - City Council Report
Jan 30 2023
Henry's Charters & Bus Tours Adds to Island Community and TourismInterview with Henry N. Rodriguez
Massage Therapist & Healing Of Time
Jan 27 2023
Massage Therapist & Healing Of TimeBy R. Daniel Cavazos
There's something happening this Saturday...
Jan 23 2023
Jenuine Cello Continues to Spearhead SPI Music by ExampleInterview with Jen Mulhern
The Ship Shaping will continue!
Jan 17 2023
Island Life: Ship Shape Celebrates its 30th Anniversary Interview with Liz Money
How The Art Lounge is Taking Off, Literally
Jan 9 2023
Cosmic ? The Art Exhibition Inspired by SPACEInterview with The Art Lounge Owner, Hamsa
Jan 2 2023
Incoming: Nautico Island Grill!Interview with sisters Bri Scanlan & Jenna Ghilain
Dec 25 2022
Dear Readers, Merry Christmas! We've been through a lot this past 2022, and now it's time to relax. Sincerely, Island Matters&nbs...
Dec 23 2022
No Admitted Complaints = No SolutionCity fails to address Board of Ethics need for reform
More Excitement for the Entertainment District
Dec 19 2022
Upgrades Coming to the Entertainment District Interview with Viva Owner Ernie Del Rio and Skipjack Inc. Property Manager Lorenzo Galvan
Are Transportation Services Lacking?
Dec 12 2022
SPI Seeking To Boost Shuttles From Harlingen AirportBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Did you visit Market by the Bay?
Dec 5 2022
The Islander: The Entertainment District is growingInterview with John Gattas
Nov 21 2022
Island Matters Receives $6,000 Grantby Sarah-Victoria Lozano
$10,000 Grant Awarded to Island Matters
Nov 14 2022
Island Matters Receives $10,000 Grant from The Knight Foundation
CVB Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Resigns
Nov 11 2022
CVB Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Resigns
Golf cart laws and another resignation..
Nov 11 2022
A recent tragic accident in the City of Galveston involving golf carts called SPI to re-examine their ordinances. Below is a brief summary of the Texa...
Nov 7 2022
The Islander: David HechtTraveling MusicianBy Sarah-Victoria Lozano
Oct 31 2022
The Islander: Jenuine Cello is Changing the Music Scene on South Padre Island
Oct 28 2022
Council Hears Views On Golf Cart ProposalsBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Cameron County Closes Beaches Due to Hurricane Ian
Sep 29 2022
Hurricane Ian Forces County to Close Beaches
Sep 26 2022
No Land for the Dogs?Local Advocates Join Forces to Find Land for City Dog Park
SPI Examines Golf Cart Ordinances
Sep 22 2022
SPI Examines Golf Cart Ordinances After Fatal Family Collision in Galveston
SPI Eyes SpaceX To Lift Expectations
Sep 19 2022
Island Life: SPI Eyes SpaceX To Lift ExpectationsBy R. Daniel Cavazos
SPI Public Transit Director Arrested
Sep 19 2022
SPI Public Transit Director on Paid Administrative Leave
Sep 16 2022
Food Truck Lawsuit: Does the Government Have Interest in Protecting Current Businesses?Institute of Justice Petitions to the Supreme Court of Texas
Realism Artist Finds Home On Island
Sep 12 2022
Realism Artist Finds Home On IslandBy R. Daniel Cavazos
7th Annual Summer Causeway Run & Fitness Walk Announcement
Sep 8 2022
Traffic Announcement:7th Annual Summer Causeway Run & Fitness Walk
Museum Will Help SPI Build Sense Of Community
Sep 5 2022
Museum Will Help SPI Build Sense Of CommunityBy R. Daniel Cavazos
CVB Builds on Success with Tourism Certification Program
Aug 26 2022
CVB Builds on Success with Tourism Certification Program
Lan Closures Planned for Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway on August 24
Aug 23 2022
Lane Closures for Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway on August 24
The Islander: Cindy Altum MacDonough
Aug 22 2022
The Islander: Cindy Altum MacDonoughSPI Music Guide
Museum Will Highlight Island `From Ranches To Shipwrecks'
Aug 15 2022
Museum Will Highlight Island 'From Ranches To Shipwrecks'By R. Daniel Cavazos
Development Standards Review Task Force: Form Base Code Gets Called into Question, Again
Aug 12 2022
Development Standards Review Task Force: Form Base Code Gets Called into Question, Again
Making SPI Arts Destination Gaining Acceptance
Aug 8 2022
Island Life: Making SPI Arts Destination Gaining AcceptanceBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Henry Brings National Perspective In Leading Island's CVB
Aug 1 2022
Henry Brings National Perspective In Leading Island?s CVBBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
Jul 29 2022
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
SPI Chamber of Commerce Back on Track after Pandemic
Jul 18 2022
Island Life: SPI Chamber of Commerce Back on Track After Pandemic Interview with Chamber President/CEO Alita Bagley
Roundtable Meeting Offers Ideas To Boost Business Climate
Jul 15 2022
Roundtable Meeting Offers Ideas To Boost Business ClimateBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Art Business Incubator: Artist Capital on its Way
Jul 11 2022
Art Business Incubator: Artist Capital on its WayInterview with Deanna Powell
Island Matters to Host First Business Roundtable
Jul 7 2022
Island Matters to Host First Business Roundtable
Fishing's Future Spread Its Reach To Special Needs
Jul 4 2022
Fishing?s Future Spread Its Reach To Special NeedsBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Algoe's Story: How to Redress a Grievance with Local Government
Jul 1 2022
Algoe?s Story: How to Redress a Grievance with Local Government
Costa Cleanups Makes History with Biggest Beach Cleanup on SPI
Jun 27 2022
Costa Cleanups Makes History with Biggest Beach Cleanup on SPI
Food Truck Lawsuit Update: Appeals Court Grants South Padre Island Immunity
Jun 10 2022
Food Truck Lawsuit Update: Appeals Court Grants South Padre Island Immunity
The Islander: Police Chief Claudine O'Carroll
Jun 6 2022
The Islander: Police Chief Claudine O?Carroll Chief Forges Law Enforcement Career on South Padre Islandby R. Daniel Cavazos
May 23 2022
The Islander: René Valdez General Manager at Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island
What Could Summer Look Like for SPI?
May 20 2022
What Could Summer Look Like for SPI?Coffee and Conversation with Conventions and Visitors Advisory Board Member, Tom Goodman
May 16 2022
The Islander: Carole K. BoydMicrosoft Painter and Attorney
New Study Seeks To Measure RGV Reef's Effectiveness
May 13 2022
New Study Seeks To Measure RGV Reef?s EffectivenessBy R. Daniel Cavazos
May 9 2022
The Islander: The Art LoungeInterview with Hamsa & Cristina Piecuch
The Islander: Homer Garcia Pedaling to Success on South Padre Island
May 2 2022
The Islander: Homer Garcia Pedaling to Success on South Padre Islandby R. Daniel Cavazos
Interview with EDC President Thomas Bainter
Apr 29 2022
Interview with Economic Development Corporation President Thomas Bainter
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Apr 26 2022
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Apr 25 2022
H & L by Maria VictoriaInterview with Business Owner Kimberly Harper
Apr 18 2022
The Island Matters office will be closed today Monday, June 13, 2022.
Apr 11 2022
The Islander: Kristi AbbottArt Business Incubator Graduate
City Council and Substandard Structure Review Board & Report
Apr 8 2022
City Council and Substandard Structure Review Board & Report.
EDC: Marina Update and Birding Nature Center Discussion
Apr 1 2022
EDC: Marina Update and Birding Nature Center Discussion
Isla Blanca Ticket Prices Don't Match the Receipt
Apr 1 2022
Isla Blanca Ticket Prices Don't Match the Receipt
The Islander: Joe Robert Mendez
Mar 28 2022
The Islander: Joe Robert MendezArtistic Director, Stylist and General Manager of Elements Aqua Salon and Med Spa
Human Remains Found Near Laguna Atascosa
Mar 18 2022
Human Remains Found Near Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Mar 14 2022
The Islander: Malia QuinnArt Business Incubator Graduate
SPI Vision Plan Provides 30-Year Roadmap
Mar 11 2022
SPI Vision Plan Provides 30-Year Roadmapby R. Daniel Cavazos
Mar 7 2022
The Islander: Costa Clean UpsInterview with Tonya Tallard CEO
Island Preparing For New Mix Of Spring Breakers
Mar 4 2022
Island Preparing For New Mix Of Spring BreakersBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Mar 4 2022
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
Presentation on Island Med-Center at City Council Meeting
Mar 1 2022
Presentation on Island Med-Center at City Council Meeting
Feb 28 2022
The Islander: Ivan BenavidesArt Business Incubator Graduate
CVAB: Did the Zimmerman Agency Drop the Ball Before Spring Break?
Feb 25 2022
CVAB: Did the Zimmerman Agency Drop the Ball Before Spring Break?
The Islander: Juana Cantú-Cabrera
Feb 21 2022
Juana Cantú-CabreraRepublican Candidate for U.S House District 34
Feb 18 2022
The Islander: Morgan LaMantiaDemocratic Candidate for Texas Senate
The Islander: Cristina Piecuch
Feb 14 2022
The Islander: Cristina PiecuchArt Business Incubator Graduate
Laguna Vista Center Seeks to Educate & Boost Tourism
Feb 11 2022
Laguna Vista Center Seeks to Educate & Boost Tourismby R. Daniel Cavazos
Feb 7 2022
The Islander: Cody PaceOwner of Tom and Jerry's Beach Club Bar & Grill
Jan 31 2022
The Islander: Carol PlumbArt Business Institute Graduate
Consultant Details Preliminary Numbers for SPI Marina
Jan 28 2022
Consultant Details Preliminary Numbers for SPI Marinaby R. Daniel Cavazos
The Islander: Virginia Guillot
Jan 24 2022
The Islander: Virginia GuillotShoreline Task Force Chairwoman
Construction Improvements at Isla Blanca Park
Jan 17 2022
Construction Improvements at Isla Blanca Park
Franke Uses Tried & True to Build Island Dunes
Jan 14 2022
Franke Uses Tried & True to Build Island DunesBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Island Matters Congratulates Peggy Sofia Buntin
Jan 10 2022
Island Matters Congratulates Peggy Sofia Buntin
City Council and Substandard Structure Review Board Report
Jan 7 2022
Substandard Structure Review Board & City Council Report
Dec 31 2021
Dear Reader, Happy New Year's Eve! Here's to you for supporting your local newspaper. You helped make it a great year, and we look forward to see...
Emergency Public Health Advisory
Dec 28 2021
Due to Antibody treatment shortage, a press release from County Judge Eddie Treviño encourages the public to fully vaccinate and to continue with all...
The Islander: Healthcare Administrator Hector Ramos
Dec 20 2021
The Islander: Healthcare Administrator Hector Ramos
Restoring Dunes Is Key to SPI's Protection
Dec 10 2021
Restoring Dunes Is Key to SPI's Protectionby R. Daniel Cavazos
Dec 6 2021
Big Demand, Little Supply Interview with Councilwoman Eva Jean Dalton
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Nov 12 2021
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Nov 11 2021
Happy Veterans Day to all who have served, and sacrificed themselves for our freedom. ?This nation will remain the land of ...
The Islander: Robert Gallagher
Nov 8 2021
The Islander: Robert Gallagher Business Owner Finds Meaning & Fun With New VenturesBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Saturday Vaccination Clinic for Children 5-12
Nov 5 2021
Saturday Vaccination Clinic for Children 5-12
South Padre Island Unofficial Election Results
Nov 5 2021
South Padre Island Unofficial Election Results
The Islander: Young Lifeguards Are A Saving Force On SPI
Oct 18 2021
The Islander: Young Lifeguards Are A Saving Force On SPIBy R. Daniel Cavazos
McNulty Cuts Off Resident During Public Comments
Oct 8 2021
McNulty Cuts Off Resident During Public Comments
Art Space Making SPI A Venue For Creativity
Oct 4 2021
Art Space Making SPI A Venue For CreativityBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Scheduled Causeway Maintenance Will Begin October 4th Through February 2022
Oct 1 2021
Scheduled Causeway Maintenance Will Begin October 4th Through February 2022
After 90% Completion, City Hall Welcomes Laguna Boulevard Input
Sep 30 2021
After 90% Completion, City Hall Welcomes Laguna Boulevard Input
The Islander: Matthew and Krystal Wyatt
Sep 20 2021
The Islander: Matthew and Krystal WyattOneTwo Church Ministry Begins
FAULTY CHEMICAL CAUSES LABOR DAY BOIL NOTICE
Sep 17 2021
FAULTY CHEMICAL CAUSES LABOR DAY BOIL NOTICE
City Announces the Four Streets to be Seal-coated
Sep 14 2021
City Announces the Four Streets to be Seal-coated
Current Forecast and a Message from South Padre Island
Sep 13 2021
Current Forecast and a Message from South Padre Island
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
Sep 9 2021
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
The Islander: Karma Coffee & Books
Sep 6 2021
The Islander: Karma Coffee & BooksBringing the World to SPIR. Daniel Cavazos
The Islander: Deanna Powell, New ABI Director
Aug 30 2021
The Islander: Deanna Powell, New ABI Director
Shoreline Task Force Approves Recommendation to Add New Setback Line
Aug 27 2021
Shoreline Task Force Approves Recommendation to Add New Setback Line
Elections, and County Press Releases Regarding Facial Coverings, and Student Vaccination..
Aug 20 2021
Elections, and County Press Releases Regarding Facial Coverings, and Student Vaccination Incentive Program
The Islander: Chamber of Commerce President Alita Bagley
Aug 16 2021
The Islander: Chamber of Commerce President Alita Bagley
EDC: 2nd Access Project, Plans for Veterans Day, and New ABI Program Director
Jul 30 2021
EDC: 2nd Access Project, Plans for Veterans Day, and New ABI Program Director
Should we Rake the Decomposing Seaweed?
Jul 23 2021
Should we Rake the Decomposing Seaweed?by Kristina Boburka, Shoreline Director
Remembering Russel Judah: Legacy on the Island
Jul 19 2021
Remembering Russel Judah: Legacy on the Island
City Council: 2nd Causeway Environment Assessment Starting Over
Jul 16 2021
City Council: 2nd Causeway Environment Assessment Starting Over
ABI Welcomes Printmaking and Illustrator Cristina Piecuch
Jul 12 2021
ABI Welcomes Printmaking and Illustrator Cristina Piecuch
The Native Plant Center Welcomes Robin Gavriel
Jul 5 2021
The Native Plant Center Welcomes Robin Gavriel
Jul 2 2021
Wave or Trend? by Tom Goodman, CVAB Vice Chair,Marketing Partner / Designated Broker, Padre Island Rentals
Jun 30 2021
Island Matters Updateby George Block, President and Editor
The Islander: Featuring Former Mayor and Councilman Dennis Stahl
Jun 22 2021
The Islander: Featuring Former Mayor and Councilman Dennis Stahl
Birding Naturalist Reports on the Spring Migration
Jun 15 2021
Birding Naturalist Reports on the Spring Migration
EDC: Congratulations, Sand Dollars for Success Grant Winners
May 28 2021
EDC: Congratulations, Sand Dollars for Success Grant Winners
"Y.O.U. Your Own Unique Design" Joins SPI Chamber of Commerce
May 14 2021
?Y.O.U. Your Own Unique Design? Joins SPI Chamber of Commerce
Island Matters to Host Presentation by Founder and Editor of the San Antonio Report Robert
May 11 2021
Island Matters to Host Presentation by Founder and Editor of the San Antonio Report Robert Rivard
Lack of Enforcement Calls for Ordinance 21-07 to Ban the Renting of Escooters
May 4 2021
Lack of Enforcement Calls for Ordinance 21-07 to Ban the Renting of Escooters
Missed a City Council Meeting or Committee Board Meeting?
Apr 29 2021
Missed a City Council Meeting or Committee Board Meeting?
Cameron County to Host a Vaccination Clinic at Beach Park at Isla Blanca
Apr 23 2021
Cameron County to Host a Vaccination Clinic at Beach Park at Isla Blanca
Cameron County to Host First-Dose Moderna Vaccinations and Allocate Second-Dose Vaccines
Apr 15 2021
Cameron County to Host First-Dose Moderna Vaccinations and Allocate Second-Dose Vaccines
Cameron County Temporarily Closes Boca Chica Beach and Beach Access Areas
Apr 2 2021
Cameron County Temporarily Closes Boca Chica Beach and Beach Access Areas
Food Truck Lawsuit:The Institute of Justice Asks Texas Supreme Court to Intervene
Mar 23 2021
Food Truck Lawsuit:The Institute of Justice Asks Texas Supreme Court to Intervene
Artist Sarah Truman Brings Unique Island Culture to Art Through Henna
Mar 9 2021
Artist Sarah Truman Brings Unique Island Culture to Art Through Henna
City Council: Lifts Emergency Beach Operations
Mar 5 2021
City Council: Lifts Emergency Beach Operations
Cameron County to Host Second-Dose Clinic This Friday
Feb 25 2021
Cameron County to Host Second-Dose Clinic This Friday
CVAB: Spring Break, Should the Focus be on Families?
Feb 9 2021
CVAB: Spring Break, Should the Focus be on Families?
SPI Residents 65 and Over Seek Voucher Information
Feb 4 2021
SPI Residents 65 and Over Seek Voucher Information
Sand Dollars for Success Application is OPEN
Jan 25 2021
Sand Dollars for Success Application is OPEN
Is SPI Illegally Enforcing Food Truck Ordinances?
Jan 23 2021
Is SPI Illegally Enforcing Food Truck Ordinances?
Shoreline Task Force Discusses Controversial Topics
Jan 16 2021
Shoreline Task Force Discusses Controversial Topics
Jan 9 2021
Chaos: What's Going On?Substandard Structure Review Board Meeting, December 18, 2020
City Council and Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. Welcome Lydia Caballero
Jan 9 2021
City Council and Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. Welcome Lydia Caballero
Dec 14 2020
Resignation or Termination?Hostile Work Environment Continues
Food Trucks: SPI Violates Texas Constitution
Dec 8 2020
Food Trucks: SPI Violates Texas ConstitutionFor Immediate Release
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Dec 1 2020
Get Involved. Join a Committee. Make a Difference.
Employee Harassment Continues: Hostile Work Environment
Nov 25 2020
Employee Harassment Continues: Hostile Work Environment
Eight Amended Emergency Management Order Suspends Curfew
Nov 13 2020
EIGHT AMENDED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORDER SUSPENDS CURFEW
Laguna Madre Water District Election and Bond Election Results
Nov 5 2020
Laguna Madre Water District Election and Bond Election Results
Nov 4 2020
(Photo by Erica Lerma de Macaulay. Pictured is a flipped single pole umbrella with Mrs. Lerma de Macaulay?s two children.) 3/11/2020 What?s happenin...
City Staff Morale Plummets with Unresolved Ethics Complaints
Oct 21 2020
City Staff Morale Plummets with Unresolved Ethics Complaints
A memorandum opinion issued on the Larry Mark Polsky's case to build a sexually oriented b
Oct 6 2020
A memorandum opinion issued on the Larry Mark Polsky?s case to build a sexually oriented business (SOB) north of Beach Access No. 6 on the Island has ...
Birding Center Budget Sparks Transparency Debate
Sep 24 2020
Birding Center Budget Sparks Transparency Debate
House Bill 2439 Trades Sticks for Carrots
Aug 27 2020
House Bill 2439 Trades Sticks for Carrots.Part 4 of a 4-part series
Development Standards Task Review Faces Back Lash Over Denying Motions - Island Matters
Aug 18 2020
Development Standards Task Review Faces Back Lash Over Denying Motions and Requesting Further Guidance from the City Amid HB 2439
House Bill 2439 to Supersede City's Form-Based Codes
Aug 6 2020
House Bill 2439 to Supersede City?s Form-Based CodesPart 3 of a 4-part series
"You're Not Going to Let Them Do That to Your City Are You?"
Jul 15 2020
?You're Not Going to Let Them Do That to Your City Are You??Part 2 of 4-part series
Jul 14 2020
Dear Editor, It seems that based on my ad agency colleague, Don Breeden's letter to the editor, I believe that CVB budget numbers have begun to ...
Jul 13 2020
Dear Editor,After coordinating the advertising for the Brownsville Convention and Visitor?s Bureau for the last 15 years, I will jump in on this. Ste...
Island Matters - Letter to the Editor
Jul 7 2020
Dear Editor,Totally in agreement with CVB leadership! Every beach community and visitor destination is going after the same markets that South P...
A Short History of SPI's Form-based Codes
Jun 23 2020
A Short History of SPI?s Form-based CodesPart 1 of a 4-part series
May 21 2020
Fireworks > Humans 21/5/2020 What happened: During a Special Events Committee meeting Monday, May 11, 2020, a...
SPI's TV Station Coming to the Island
May 9 2020
SPI's TV Station Coming to the Island 9/5/2020 Douglas Best, founder of the Partnership Institute and Iron Knee Video Entertainment, has mad...
Concerns About Island Visitors Doesn't Match SPI Reality
May 8 2020
Concerns About Island Visitors Doesn?t Match SPI Reality. 8/5/2020 Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño gave the current UPDATE on the COVID-...
May 1 2020
Are We Ready to Reopen? 1/5/2020 Executive orders are in place to reopen Texas starting May 1, 2020. These orders begin phase 1 of re...EDC Postpones Assistance to Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Apr 27 2020
EDC Postpones Assistance to Businesses Affected by COVID-19 27/4/2020 What happened:[NOTE: We held this article to wait for clarifications b...Apr 23 2020
UPDATE: COVID-19 Testing 23/4/2020A poorly written paragraph in yesterday?s Island Matters left the impression that there was a 10-minute break ...