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  Coastal Cottage

  New Construction at The Shores. 

   

  
  
  
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  Bay Side Estate

  The opulence of this upscale bayfront estate will astound you. This Spanish-inspired villa offers spectacular features, entertaining areas, marble flooring, beautiful art niches, sweeping bay views, and more.

  
  
  
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  5804 Yucca Circle

  Stunningly gorgeous channel front home with four bedrooms and four full baths.

   

  
  
  
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  Sapphire 1802

  Breathtaking Gulf and Bay views from this north tower unit. 

   

  
  
  
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  Los Corales 801 S

  Stunning and exclusive beach front unit with unparralled amenities. 

   

  
  
  

> Laguna Vista makes headway on center

LAGUNA VISTA — The small town of Laguna Vista is making headway on an ecotourism center that it hopes will attract more tourists.

Early last month, the town made an initial announcement about its plans to create a site that would work as an information and visitors center that would provide visitors with insight into the town’s ecosystem.

In November, Laguna Vista entered a partnership with Cameron County to build a learning center that would feature an outdoor theater, exhibit halls, trails and natural wetlands.

Laguna Vista City Manager Rolando Vela said the town is moving forward and applying for an Economic Development Administration grant for $800,000 to improve the water and sewer lines on Highway 100, where the center would be located. If approved, the county would be responsible for putting up $200,000 for the 80-20 grant match program.

“The first step for any development is to put in the infrastructure,” Vela said. “We are attempting to do that, should we be awarded this EDA grant.”

The development will be built on 23 acres of the town’s land. Only 10 acres will be used for the building.

Vela said the town wants the development to attract people driving on Highway 100, and allow them to stop and spend time in town.

“The South Texas Ecotourism Visitors Center, when completed, will showcase many of the environmentally rich and unique features of the county,” Vela said.

A 15-year comprehensive plan has been adopted that has updated the town’s subdivision and zoning ordinances in preparation for future commercial development that the town hopes the tourism center spurs in the future.

“The town is hoping that by working closely with the county to augment this partnership and by laying the groundwork with the infrastructure improvements on Highway 100 that we will be in a better position to attract development to this corridor,” Vela said.

By ALEXIS AGUIRRE Staff Writer

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> Council commits $50,000 to reef project

Funding for the RGV Reef project, fleet maintenance, shoreline master planning, and updating storm drainage plans highlighted the South Padre Island City Council meeting held on June 6.

Council considered a proposed $50,000 budget amendment from Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) excess reserves for Friends of the RGV Reef for the development of fishing infrastructure as a part of their artificial reef project.

“The approval by the State legislature a while ago for utilization of Hotel Occupancy Tax for fishing infrastructure is one of the things that allows us to make this recommendation,” explained CVB Director Keith Arnold, adding that the request had the unanimous support of the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board. Arnold specified that the money would be used to transport materials to the reef. Council unanimously approved the request.

Alex Sanchez, SPI Public Works Director, provided a report on fleet maintenance for the City. The report stated, “Creating a tailored program for SPI’s unique corrosive environment is critical to sound financial planning and operational efficiency.” Sanchez emphasized that all their existing vehicles found in normal to excellent condition will be undercoated to prevent corrosion. Additionally, all new vehicles will be undercoated and will follow a preventative maintenance program.

Shoreline Management Director Brandon Hill provided Council with a report on the survey results of the City’s Shoreline Master Plan.

By KEVIN RICH

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> 79th Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT)

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing tournament—the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIF). The tournament starts with late registration on Wednesday and Thursday with a special “play day” for junior anglers on Thursday.

Always the first weekend of August, TIFT is expected to attract as many as 1500 anglers and more than 500 boats during its two days of fishing activities.

TIFT is open to anglers of all ages and levels of experience. And remember, when it comes to big catches, luck often wins over skill! We hope to see you at TIFT!

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> 37th Annual South Padre Island Chamber Of Commerce Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT)

The tournament is divided into two divisions, Bay and Offshore. Anglers fishing in the Bay Division will vie for trophies in the categories of Redfish, Trout and Flounder, while anglers in the Offshore Division complete in the categories of King, Bonito, Blackfin Tuna and Dolphin.  Trophies will be awarded to the first four places in each category and Grand Champion Bay and Grand Champion Offshore winners will also receive trophies.  Trophies will be original unique artwork from famed artist Dinah Bowman.  NOTE: To qualify for Grand Champion an angler must bring in one of each fish listed in the category they are fishing in. In the event all qualifying fish are not brought in the division, the next highest number brought in will qualify.

The tournament kicks off Friday, August 10 with check-in and on-site registration from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre.  On Saturday, fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint is where all the action will be with Bay division weigh-in from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Offshore weigh-in from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint provides a large viewing and parking area for family and friends, and anyone else that would like to see who brings in the biggest fish. The Sunday Awards Luncheon will be held at SPI Convention Centre beginning at 11:00 a.m. All participants are invited to attend.

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> 4th Annual Shallow Stalker Boat Owners Fishing Tournament

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

5:00pm-9:00pm

Registrations At this time anglers will be able to register and sign waivers. Payment taken for registrations credit card and cash. No checks. (Checks will be acepted for early registration only)
Wavers Team #. It is the Captains responsibility to make sure all the anglers wavers are signed in order to participate in the tournament. After receiving waver we will issue you a team number.
Complements. After registration and verification on sign wavers anglers will be given a ticket, wrist band, a goody bags and the 3rd annual collectible fishing shirt.
The Anglers Pot will be open for entries, only cash or check.
7:30 Mandatory meeting. Captains! make sure to be present. Mandatory might sound harsh but remember there will be appetizers, cash bar, and dancing through the night. This would be a good time to come and meet the Shallow Stalker Boat Team. Even if you already know us come and stay for the fun and meet more of the Shallow Stalker Family

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

6:00am – 6:45 am
Louies Backyard
(Anchor up in water behind Louie’s Backyard)
Drive By

7:00 am
Shotgun Start – Air horn, Boats leave on 3rd Blast

1:30 – 3:00
Weigh In at Louie’s Backyard

5:00pm
Banquet
Awards
Announcements of Tournament & Anglers Pots Winners

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