Tagged News

• Daniel Rinza Signs To Play Basketball At Central Methodist Play Video

  May 22, 2020 7:58 PM

  PORT ISABEL - Daniel Rinza wrapped up his high school career with an offer to play college basketball. Rinza made his commitment to Central Methodist official Thursday evening with a signing ceremony not far from the gym where he shined for the Tarpons. The CMU signee told Channel... more »

• Tony Villarreal Returns To Lead Port Isabel Football Play Video

  May 18, 2020 11:04 PM

  PORT ISABEL - Tony Villarreal is headed to the high school where he got his first head coaching job back in 1990. Our Erica Ross spoke with Villarreal about returning to the sidelines. more »

• Esports Gaining Popularity With More People At Home Play Video

  April 30, 2020 11:39 PM

  WESLACO - With no sports to watch right now, some fans are turning to video games. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross spoke with Port Isabel High School esports coordinator Luis Rincones about the uptick in gaming. more »

• Mac Strunk Signs NLI Play Video

  March 12, 2020 11:33 PM

  PORT ISABEL - Mac Strunk signing his NLI Thursday afternoon. The Tarpon turning into a Bulldog to continue his track and field career. Strunk majoring in criminal justice. more »

• Tarpons Third Round Bound Play Video

  March 2, 2020 11:14 PM

  PORT ISABEL - For the second time in three years, the Port Isabel boys basketball team has reached the third round of the playoffs. To reach the fourth round, the Tarpons will have to get by Pleasanton Tuesday night in Kingsville. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross visited with the... more »

• Port Isabel police chief asking for change in causeway closure protocols Play Video

  February 29, 2020 10:55 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Traffic stopped on both sides of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway for more than two hours Wednesday. Automatic gates on the bridge came down due to possible power or weather issues. Chief Robert Lopez with Port Isabel police said protocols by Texas Department of Transportation caused... more »

• Port Isabel official, business owner voice concerns over LNG projects’ possible impact Play Video

  February 12, 2020 10:26 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The concerns over the health, safety, the potential for pollution, tourism and the shrimping industry in Port Isabel sparked a lawsuit by the city against the Port of Brownsville . About 15 years ago, access to the Gulf was restored recreating a spawning ground for many... more »

• Port Isabel files lawsuit against Port of Brownsville over LNG projects Play Video

  February 11, 2020 10:07 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The city of Port Isabel is taking on energy companies and filed a lawsuit against the Port of Brownsville. The city, its mayor and a commissioner fear contamination of the air, water and fish in the area. The LNG projects would be set up south of... more »

• Person accused of threatening Port Isabel school under arrest Play Video

  February 11, 2020 6:58 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A person accused of threatening a Rio Grande Valley school is now in custody. The Department of Public Safety confirmed they assisted Brownsville police in the arrest Tuesday morning. The person allegedly threatened a school in Port Isabel. No other information about the threat... more »

• 5 on 5: February 10th Play Video

  February 10, 2020 11:24 PM

  RIO HONDO - The Port Isabel boys basketball team defeated Rio Hondo 63-58 Monday night for their sixth straight district win. CHANNEL 5's Joel Villanueva has this 5 on 5 update. more »

• State legislation allowing oyster farming piques the interest of Valley entrepreneurs Play Video

  January 31, 2020 6:21 PM

  NEAR PORT ISABEL – A different type of farming could soon be coming to the Rio Grande Valley. State lawmakers making a change by adding new rules to allow oyster farms. Oyster beds could become more common in the Laguna Madre after new legislation by the state, which will... more »

• Atropellan a estudiante al descender de autobús escolar en Puerto Isabel Play Video

  January 15, 2020 9:50 PM

  PUERTO ISABEL - Durante el regreso a clases por el nuevo ciclo escolar, se incrementan los accidentes vehiculares en el traslado de estudiantes en la vía pública en todo el Valle de Texas. El más reciente accidente vial resultó en el atropellamiento de un estudiante de secundaria cuando descendía... more »

• Authorities Warn of Phone Crooks Spoofing Port Isabel Police Play Video

  December 4, 2019 5:11 PM

  PORT ISABEL – An emergency number has been cloned in Port Isabel, according to police. Authorities are warning residents about the ploy targeting mostly older people in the community. Crooks reportedly cloned the police department’s number. The callers are reportedly asking residents to buy gift cards or... more »

• Valley Community Groups, Cities Against Pipelines Speak Out Play Video

  November 21, 2019 8:44 PM

  PORT ISABEL – City officials react after the approval of LNG pipelines. In Port Isabel, community groups and cities against those pipelines have one main message, the fight isn't over. South Padre Island and Port Isabel are just two of the cities standing against the pipelines that are... more »

• TxDOT: Cameron Co. Drivers Watch Out for Pelicans on Hwy 48 Play Video

  October 24, 2019 9:27 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The Texas Department of Transportation issued a weather-related pelican warning for drivers in Cameron County. The agency is asking drivers to watch out for the birds when traveling on State Highway 48 between Brownsville and Port Isabel. The median street barrier along the highway and cold... more »

• Family of Laguna Heights Murder Victim Determined to Seek Justice Play Video

  October 17, 2019 7:44 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Two people are now charged in a murder in the bayside community of Laguna Heights. The family of the victim, 29-year-old Miguel Angel Aguilera, says he didn’t deserve this. Aguilera’s mother, Margarita Orduña, says he was a great son and father. Orduña says it’s... more »

• Cold Fronts Concerning Valley Shrimpers amid Slow Season Play Video

  October 16, 2019 5:22 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Rio Grande Valley shrimpers are concerned more cold weather could slow down an already bad season. When cold fronts come through the Valley, they generate rough seas, causing small craft advisories. “It will drive a few of the boats back into port or if the... more »

• Authorities Continue Search for Suspect in Port Isabel Homicide Investigation Play Video

  October 7, 2019 5:20 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Authorities are still searching for a suspect in the murder of a Laguna Heights man. Investigators say the murder happened inside a trailer home early Sunday morning on Garfield Road in Laguna Heights. The body was found after a 9-1-1 call, when a neighbor went... more »

• Weslaco Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Local Journalist’s Death Play Video

  September 30, 2019 3:43 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Weslaco man was sentenced to 11 years in prison Monday for a deadly crash that killed a journalist in Port Isabel. It happened in March 2018. The victim, Elizabeth Sweeten, was a journalist with the Port Isabel-South Padre Press. Watch the video above for... more »

• Two-A-Day Tour: Port Isabel Play Video

  August 7, 2019 10:10 PM

  It's time to talk Valley high school football again. Throughout the month of August, CHANNEL 5 will be visiting every team as we get ready for the 2019 season. It's all part of our Two-A-Day Tour. In this video, we focus on Port Isabel. more »

• Port Isabel Police Stepping Up Marine Patrols for Holiday Weekend

  April 20, 2019 4:28 PM

  PORT ISABEL- The Easter holiday weekend is proving to be busy for the Port Isabel Police Department. They're stepping up marine patrols, looking for those breaking the law on the water. "We're going to patrol the waters to make sure there isn't any B.W.I., boating while intoxicated," said... more »

• 6th Annual Fishing Tournament

  April 17, 2019 11:14 AM

  PORT ISABEL - The Cameron County Mental Health Task Force will be putting forward the 6 th annual Family Fishing Tournament on Sat. April 27 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pirates Landing, Port Isabel. There will be a $10 fee per fishing rod. Participants should bring their... more »

• Tarpon Turnaround Play Video

  March 26, 2019 10:37 PM

  PORT ISABEL - It's not how you start, it's how you finish. The Port Isabel boys soccer team knows all about that. After dropping their first 11 matches, the Tarpons turned their season around and won the district 32-4A title. CHANNEL 5's Ruben Juarez has more on playoff bound Port... more »

• Port Isabel Police Searching for Suspect in Theft Case Play Video

  March 13, 2019 12:31 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Port Isabel police are on the lookout for a suspect connected to a theft case. Police say they saw a man steal a small blue air compressor from a pick-up truck on the 500 block of Tarpon Field last week. If you have any information,... more »

• Port Isabel Police Stepping up Patrols for Spring Break Play Video

  March 9, 2019 5:02 PM

  PORT ISABEL- Several law enforcement agencies are stepping up their patrols this Spring Break. Officials with the Port Isabel Police Department tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS March is the busiest month for DWI and possession of illegal substance arrests. CHANNEL 5'S Cecilia Gutierrez rode along with law enforcement officials... more »

• Port Isabel Man Arrested in Connection to Two 2018 Cases Play Video

  January 20, 2019 4:36 PM

  PORT ISABEL- A suspect in two cases stemming from 2018 is now being held on a $60,000 bond in Cameron County. Police say Juan Jose Valdez kicked down a door at a home on East Railroad Avenue with the intent to assault someone inside back in March. Valdez... more »

• Man Arrested in Connection to Port Isabel Theft Case Play Video

  January 12, 2019 5:02 PM

  PORT ISABEL - A man is behind bars in connection to a recent theft case. Police say Santos Ramirez stole a bike from a yard on Gonzalez Street, January 3. They were eventually able to track down the bike, at a pawn shop where Ramirez sold it for... more »

• Internal Investigation Leads to Firing of 4 Valley Officers Play Video

  December 20, 2018 12:43 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The Rio Grande Valley police department is now short four officers. A dispatch officer and three patrol officers from the Port Isabel Police Department were fired this week for “inappropriate conduct” while off and on duty. The move was made after an internal investigation. ... more »

• Port Isabel Man Accused of Assaulting Public Servant Play Video

  December 2, 2018 4:03 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A man is behind bars for his actions at the Port Isabel police station. Authorities say Ralph Wendle Noah refused to leave the front lobby of the station Wednesday. When an officer asked him if everything was okay, Noah began yelling and pushed the officer. Watch the... more »

• ICE Detainee Strikes Nurse at Port Isabel Facility Play Video

  September 28, 2018 6:35 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A man who was held in a detention facility is accused of striking a nurse. The man is from Honduras and was being held at the Port Isabel Detention Center. According to the federal complaint, he struck a nurse who was trying to take his blood pressure.... more »

• Port Isabel Play Video

  August 10, 2018 11:08 PM

  PORT ISABEL - It's football time again in the Rio Grande Valley. The 2018 season is now underway with teams back on the field to prepare for the upcoming schedule. Practice makes perfect! CHANNEL 5 SPORTS again this season offers a look at every varsity team in the area. Tonight's... more »

• Man Charged with Drug Possession Following Traffic Stop

  July 25, 2018 4:18 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A traffic stop led to the arrest of a man found in possession of alleged cocaine in Cameron County. The Port Isabel Police Department says Jorge Andrade Sanchez was stopped for speeding Tuesday night. According to a press release sent out Wednesday, he failed to provide a... more »

• Port Isabel Man Charged with Multiple Burglaries Play Video

  July 22, 2018 3:17 PM

  A Port Isabel man is being held on a $55,000 bond. Jacob Ismael Rodriguez was charged with burglary of habitation and burglary of a vehicle. Police said early Friday morning, they spotted him running from Island Avenue towards Port Road. While speaking to officers, Rodriguez appeared nervous and was dropping... more »

• Strunk Arrives in Port Isabel Play Video

  July 13, 2018 10:50 AM

  PORT ISABEL – Jason Strunk is ready to go. He’s busy working on a game plan for the Tarpons. The proud Pennsylvania native’s goal has always been to be a high school coach in Texas. “Our library had Friday Night Lights and I picked it up and started reading it... more »

• Parishioners Honor Oblate Priests Who Established Catholic Church in Valley Play Video

  July 5, 2018 10:01 AM

  PORT ISABEL – Up until six years ago, only Oblate priests served the Catholic Church in Port Isabel. To thank them for decades of service, the parishioners set up the Oblate Memorial Prayer Garden. It’s a prayer garden with a giant mural depicting seven young Oblate priests who rode the... more »

• Port Isabel Service Processing Center Declared Primary Location for Reunification and Removal Play Video

  June 24, 2018 5:02 PM

  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Port Isabel Service Processing Center was dedicated as the primary reunification and removal center for adult immigrants in federal custody. Click the video above for more information. more »

• 2 Arrested for Allegedly Faking Robbery in Port Isabel Play Video

  June 15, 2018 3:58 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Two men are in custody after Port Isabel police say they faked an aggravated robbery. Officers responded to a call at Murphy’s gas station along Texas Highway 100 on Wednesday night. Upon arrival, the clerk told police a man entered the store and demanded money at knifepoint.... more »

• Valley Family Sees their 3rd Valedictorian Graduate Play Video

  June 5, 2018 8:57 AM

  PORT ISABEL – It’s the end of the school year and having one valedictorian in the family is quite an accomplishment. But what if there were two? How about three? All in the same family. Rick Diaz spoke with siblings Brian, Janelle and Sabrina Chavez along with their parents in... more »

• Authorities Investigating Cause of Fire at Port Isabel Apartment Complex Play Video

  May 7, 2018 3:52 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Port Isabel. The Los Fresnos Fire Department and the South Padre Island Fire Department responded to a call at the intersection of Longoria and Railroad streets on Monday. Authorities say the... more »

• Frentes Fríos Ponen a Pescadores en Situaciones Peligrosas

  April 27, 2018 7:54 AM

  CERCA DE PORT ISABEL - El Departamento de Bomberos de Brownsville está emitiendo una advertencia a todos los pescadores que se dirigen a las aguas. Los bomberos dicen que el departamento responde a aproximadamente un rescate de agua por año. Dicen que este año, ya han tenido tres en el... more »

• RV Park Residents Bothered by Odor from Nearby Sewage Lift Station, Dumpsters Play Video

  March 22, 2018 8:44 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Mary Burcl thought she found an ideal spot to park her RV for the summer in Port Isabel. She picked a spot at Del Mar RV Park. She then learned the placement of her neighbor’s dumpsters were too close for comfort. "We started smelling this odor," said... more »

• Port Isabel Man Wants Debris Left from Tragic Trailer Fire Removed Play Video

  March 15, 2018 11:19 PM

  PORT ISABEL – All that is left of John Schartel’s home at a trailer park in Port Isabel are ruins of a tragic event. The man died inside his trailer in December after it caught fire. Having the debris still around, Ken Parish said, is an unnecessary and constant reminder... more »

• Valley Shrimpers Face Human Smuggling Charges Play Video

  March 8, 2018 6:17 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A shrimp boat captain from Brownsville and two of his crew members are facing human smuggling charges. Court documents show they were trying to navigate 14 people in the country illegally through the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Coast Guard foiled the attempt when they boarded the... more »

• Law Enforcement Increase Patrols Ahead of Spring Break Play Video

  March 7, 2018 5:16 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Police in Port Isabel say they expect to file charges against a motorcyclist involved in a deadly crash near the causeway . Although the driver is still in critical condition, authorities are planning an arraignment when his condition improves. Authorities say they will not release to CHANNEL... more »

• Charges in Fatal Crash Involving Motorcyclist Pending Play Video

  March 6, 2018 5:01 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Officers are waiting on medical records to determine if any charges will be filed against a motorcyclist who hit and killed a woman Sunday night . The fatal crash happened just off the causeway in Port Isabel. The motorcyclist remains in critical condition. Watch the video above... more »

• Woman Who Died in Boat Capsize Accident Identified Play Video

  February 26, 2018 6:34 PM

  UPDATE (2/27): Authorities confirm 38-year-old Sarah Mitchell Murphy died when the salvage tug-boat she was on capsized Saturday. The preliminary autopsy report shows she drowned. Lt. Terry Parris, supervisor of the Marine Safety Detachment tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS the tug-boat went out to help a boater in the area when... more »

• Parents Charged with Child Endangerment Following Welfare Check Play Video

  February 26, 2018 1:41 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A Port Isabel couple was charged after police found a small child unattended while they were “passed out on the floor”. Police responded to a welfare concern call on the 400 block of Adams Street around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Port Isabel police say they... more »

• Port Isabel Satellite TV Customer Says Upgrade Made Reception Worse Play Video

  January 30, 2018 5:19 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A Winter Texan says an upgrade to his satellite TV system has only made issues he's experiencing worse. Larry Filippine is enjoying his retirement with his wife, Patricia, at their home in Port Isabel. He says he and his wife have one thing they love to spend... more »

• Port Isabel Lighthouse Renovation Complete, Undergoing Final Inspection Play Video

  December 13, 2017 3:57 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The renovation project at the Historic Port Isabel Lighthouse is now complete. However, it will be a few more weeks before the lighthouse is open to tourists again. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is doing a final inspection on the lighthouse. The popular site will now... more »

• La Inminente Construcción de Gasoductos de GNL Plantea Inquietudes para las Empresas Turísticas.

  December 11, 2017 10:48 PM

  PORT ISABEL- Compañias de recorrido en bote hablan sobre la propuesta de la construción de tres lineas de gas. "Este es el hogar de 250 a 300 delfines", dijo la Capitana Heather Lacy. "Tenemos 17 bebés en la bahía en este momento". Lacy y el Capitan Paul Sty dirigen juntos... more »

• Looming LNG Pipeline Construction Raising Concerns for Tourism Businesses Play Video

  December 11, 2017 7:47 PM

  PORT ISABEL – Tour boat companies are speaking up in the wake of three liquefied natural gas pipelines in the works. "This is home to 250 to 300 dolphins," said Captain Heather Lacy. "We have 17 babies in the bay right now." Capt. Lacy and Captain Paul Sty run Fins... more »

• 1 Killed in Fire Play Video

  December 9, 2017 4:51 PM

  PORT ISABEL--One person was killed in a fire in Port Isabel. According to Port Isabel fire marshal John Sandoval, the fire broke out at a trailer home around 2 a.m. on Bridge and Railroad. An adult male was killed and the trailer was a complete loss. No one else was... more »

• Deadline Missed for Renovations on Port Isabel Lighthouse Play Video

  December 1, 2017 6:50 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department missed the deadline for the completion of the renovation of the local lighthouse. Valerie Bates, marketing director for the city, previously told CHANNEL 5 NEWS this weekend was the target date to re-open the lighthouse to the public . On Friday,... more »

• 24 Years of Celebrating Shrimp in Port Isabel Play Video

  November 23, 2017 11:28 AM

  PORT ISABEL – An annual festival, a favorite among many residents and visitors, celebrated its 24th year of showcasing a variety of shrimp recipes created by amateur and professional chefs from around the Rio Grande Valley. The Annual World’s Championship Shrimp Cook-Off was put together by the Port Isabel Chamber... more »

• 16th Anniversary Commemoration of Queen Isabella Causeway Collapse Play Video

  September 15, 2017 4:50 PM

  PORT ISABEL – The start of this weekend marks the 16th anniversary of the collapse of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway. A memorial ceremony was held Friday, Sept. 15 to remember the victims who lost their lives. In the early morning hours of Sept. 15, 2001, a barge hit the... more »

• Renovation at Historic Port Isabel Lighthouse Expected to be Complete in August Play Video

  June 29, 2017 11:10 AM

  PORT ISABEL – It only takes 78 steps to get to the top of the Historic Port Isabel Lighthouse. But, for the moment, it’s off limits, as renovation at the site continues. "We're looking at a very, very late July till late August completion,” said Valerie Bates, the City of... more »

• Tip Leads to Drug Bust near Port Isabel

  June 20, 2017 10:54 PM

  NEAR PORT ISABEL – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is crediting a concerned citizen for helping Border Patrol agents catch a group of alleged smugglers. Agents said the men were crossing the ship channel near Port Isabel. Three Mexican nationals and a juvenile where apprehended and agents seized more than... more »

• Immigration Detainees Receive Dental Care Play Video

  May 29, 2017 10:16 PM

  PORT ISABEL - People in the country illegally are receiving free dental care when they are taken into federal custody. The cost adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The U.S. Government says dental service is available for all detainees. Nearly a thousand people, from twenty different countries, live... more »

• House Fire in Port Isabel

  December 24, 2016 9:13 PM

  PORT ISABEL--Multiple people were displaced by a house fire in Port Isabel Saturday. According to the Port Isabel fire department, the home on Taylor and Harding caught fire Saturday. While the home had minimal damage, people are displaced due to electrical damage. The Red Cross is assisting. The cause of... more »

• Power Outage in Mobile Home Park Caused by Failed Underground Cable Play Video

  December 19, 2016 4:43 PM

  NEAR PORT ISABEL - Many homeowners near Port Isabel continue facing the inclement weather without power since Sunday afternoon. The Long Island Village mobile home park currently has about 1,800 homes without power. The park’s general manager, Kerry Brogdon, said AEP crews started working on the outage Monday morning. AEP... more »