Tagged News

• Some Valley residents confused as to which parks reopened after state announcement Play Video

  April 21, 2020 7:30 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott ordered the reopening of state parks, but some Rio Grande Valley residents are confused to what parks they're allowed to visit. People are looking to escape from their homes and get some fresh air during the lockdown. With a large amount of parks... more »

• South Padre Island issues a disaster declaration Play Video

  March 16, 2020 5:10 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - The city of South Padre Island announced Monday a Local State of Disaster for public health emergency due to COVID-19 . All special events permits will be rescinded effective at 7 p.m. Monday and any activity after the 7 p.m. deadline will be in direct... more »

• South Padre Island release statement regarding events amid virus concerns Play Video

  March 10, 2020 10:34 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Events such as Coachella and Stagecoach are now postponed due to coronavirus concerns. The same fears forced the cancellation of South by Southwest in Austin. However, so far, no changes to how Spring Break is starting in South Padre Island . In a statement... more »

• Homeland Security installs cameras at large Valley events Play Video

  March 9, 2020 10:24 PM

  MERCEDES – Crowd sizes are prompting more security measures at Rio Grande Valley events. The Department of Homeland Security is adding extra eyes at the Mercedes livestock show and at South Padre Island for spring break. On Monday, agents went around the livestock show grounds connecting cameras. ... more »

• Cameron County authorities to crackdown on THC cartridges during spring break Play Video

  March 2, 2020 10:38 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – South Padre Island is getting ready for spring break. Luis Saenz, Cameron County district attorney, says authorities busted many spring breakers with THC oil last year. Officials will now target this heavily used drug. THC is one of the main chemicals in marijuana that... 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 »

• Nonprofit launch next phase of reef construction along South Padre Island coast Play Video

  January 28, 2020 7:44 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – More species of fish are flourishing just off the coast of South Padre Island. A nonprofit is making it happen. On Tuesday, Friends of RGV Reef began the second phase their ecosystem project. Since 2015, the organization has been creating one of the largest industrial... more »

• Combating Slow Season on South Padre Island   Play Video

  January 11, 2020 10:38 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Events like Sunday's Causeway Run are planned for slow tourist season on South Padre Island. Ed Caum, Director of the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau, says events are planned to make sure business thrive during months between the holidays and Spring Break. ... more »

• Transmission Poles near Valley Coast to be Replaced to Withstand Strong Winds Play Video

  January 8, 2020 6:17 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The next hurricane season is six months away, but two coastal Rio Grande Valley cities are getting ready now. About three months ago, more than half of South Padre Island was in the dark. Dozens of transmission poles were knocked down along Padre Boulevard due... more »

• DPS: Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Cameron County Play Video

  December 23, 2019 4:58 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A plane made an emergency landing in Cameron County. The Department of Public Safety confirmed a small Cessna plane made a landing near Beach Access 6. The passengers on-board reported no injuries. DPS says the pilot made the landing due to a mechanical... more »

• Non Profit Helps With Beach Clean Up Play Video

  December 21, 2019 10:43 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - SPI KATS, an island based non profit, helped clean up the beach Saturday. The organization started their fight to protect the environment and beach goers about five months ago. The group cleans up on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Watch... more »

• SPI Beach Access Closed Due to Winter Beach Conditions Play Video

  December 16, 2019 12:02 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A South Padre Island beach access is closed after experiencing what officials call “winter beach” conditions. The closure is at City Beach Access #23, Sapphire Circle. Winter beach conditions is when beaches are eroded and flattened out in the winter giving the appearance of... more »

• Beach Patrol: Rescues More Difficult as Stronger Rip Currents Occur More amid Winter Play Video

  December 10, 2019 5:46 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – After a 28-year-old who drifted about a quarter mile offshore out of at South Padre Island was rescued last week, county officials are warning the public of rip currents. The Cameron County Beach Patrol says this is the time of year rip currents get stronger... more »

• Brownsville Airport Prepares for Holiday Rush amid Construction Play Video

  November 26, 2019 6:53 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – With the holiday travelers gearing up for Thanksgiving, a Rio Grande Valley airport is preparing for the crowds even while undergoing construction. According to AAA, more than 55 million people will be traveling for the holidays. Some of those travels will go through the Brownsville-South Padre Island... more »

• Wildlife Expert Believes Death of 63 Sea Turtles Linked to Illegal Gillnetting near Coast Play Video

  November 25, 2019 10:03 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Two-hundred yards of illegal gillnetting was pulled from the Rio Grande over the last few days. The Coast Guard says eight sea turtles and five blacktip sharks were caught in it. Only three of those turtles lived and were cut loose. The illegal gillnetting... 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 »

• Valley Conservationist Release Sea Turtles Rescued during Cold Snap Play Video

  November 19, 2019 6:13 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A crowd of people showed up at South Padre Island to bid farewell to several sea turtles rescued during last week’s cold snap. They were released Tuesday morning back in the Gulf. The turtles are considered endangered. Sea Turtle, Inc. Director Jeff George says... more »

• More Than 200 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Rescued from Gulf Play Video

  November 14, 2019 6:18 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – In the past two days, more than 200 sea turtles were rescued. Many were recovered from the Gulf. Currently, 15 sea turtles are recovering from shock from the cold at Sea Turtle, Inc. The turtles are being treated in a heated garage. Jeff... more »

• 4-Foot Alligator Removed Off Padre Blvd in South Padre Island Play Video

  October 28, 2019 6:20 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – An alligator was taken off the streets in South Padre Island. The Birding Nature and Alligator Sanctuary says they received a call Sunday about a nuisance gator right off Padre Boulevard. Officials managed to remove the four-foot animal. Sanctuary workers remind people to... more »

• Four Fishermen Rescued Near Jetties

  October 26, 2019 10:13 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - A fishing vessel capsized at the jetties near South Padre Island It happened late Friday night. Four fishermen onboard were pulled from the water by U.S. Coast Guard crews. All four are in stable condition. Coast Guard crews reported high waves and... more »

• South Padre Island Road Reopen Play Video

  October 26, 2019 9:44 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Padre Boulevard reopened Saturday evening. The road was closed several days ago after strong winds knocked down more than 30 power poles. AEP crews finished their repairs Saturday. City officials says all events planned for Sunday will go on as... more »

• Laguna Madre Water District Shuts Off Water in SPI Play Video

  October 25, 2019 6:18 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - The Laguna Madre Water District has shut off water on the South Padre Island due to a main water leak. Areas affected are West Huisache to Padre Boulevard and West Venus to Padre Boulevard. Repairs are ongoing and expected to be complete by 7:10... more »

• Driver in Custody after Knocking Over Utility Workers in South Padre Island Play Video

  October 24, 2019 4:37 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A driver is custody after putting utility workers in danger on South Padre Island. Police say around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, a male driver went into the work area along Padre Boulevard, dragging a cable that knocked over AEP workers who were working to replace transmission... more »

• AEP Predicts Longer Wait Until Power is Permanently Restored in South Padre Island Play Video

  October 23, 2019 5:43 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – AEP Texas crews are predicting a longer wait time until the transmission lines damaged in Sunday night’s storm are completely repaired at South Padre Island. It’s the third day Padre Boulevard has been closed. Initially, AEP estimated they’d be complete repairing the 31 downed... more »

• SPI Businesses Taking Financial Hit after Storms Knock Out Power Play Video

  October 22, 2019 5:28 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Padre Boulevard remains closed at South Padre Island as crews get transmission lines back up that were damaged in early Monday’s storm. The power has been restored to 65% of the island and most of the businesses after missing a full day of operations. ... more »

• 3-Phase Project Underway to Replace Transmission Poles at South Padre Island Play Video

  October 21, 2019 10:05 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Outages continuing on South Padre Island nearly 24 hours after storms knocked out power. The damage so bad the governor declared Cameron County a disaster. More than 30 transmission poles were toppled in the storm. Utility crews spent Monday rerouting power to some homes... 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 »

• Cameron Co. Beach Patrol: Cold Fronts to Cause Risky Surf Conditions Play Video

  October 8, 2019 4:19 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A warning from the Cameron County Beach Patrol saying this is a dangerous time to be in the water. They explained why cold fronts moving through the Rio Grande Valley bring risky surf conditions. The first front of the season came through Monday; while... more »

• SPI Coastlines Expected to Thin Out during Season Change Play Video

  October 1, 2019 6:33 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – This is the time of year the beaches start to change. Compact sand or sand that has been touched by a wave goes all the way up to the berm. The distance between the dunes and remaining coastline, after a high tide, is only... more »

• Cameron Co. Officials Approve Fee Increase for SPI Beaches Play Video

  September 24, 2019 6:20 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Starting next week, you’ll be paying more to go to a county beach. Cameron County commissioners approved the hike in beach user fees at Andy Bowie Park, Beach Access 3 and 6, E. K. Atwood and Isla Blanca parks. Cameron County Parks Director Joe... more »

• SpaceX Successfully Tests Starhopper at Boca Chica Beach Play Video

  August 26, 2019 3:07 PM

  BOCA CHICA BEACH – SpaceX had a successful second attempt at the final test of the starhopper starship prototype at Boca Chica Beach. They starhopper hopped up around 500 feet and landed successfully on a nearby landing pad Tuesday. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sent out a tweet congratulating... more »

• Game Warden Investigation into Sea Turtles’ Death Ongoing Play Video

  August 19, 2019 4:26 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A federal investigation into individuals catching and cooking sea turtles is ongoing. Cameron County Game Wardens received a tip from their Operation Game Thief hotline about individuals catching the endangered creatures. After making contact with the suspects and searching their vehicle, Game Wardens found... more »

• Federal Officials Investigating Sea Turtle Deaths near South Padre Island Play Video

  August 18, 2019 3:26 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND- A federal investigation is underway into the deaths of sea turtles near South Padre Island. On a Facebook post, Texas Game Wardens said they received several calls of people catching, killing and filleting sea turtles. After a vehicle search, shells were found. Wardens headed... more »

• Research Continues for Cause of Tumors in Sea Turtles Play Video

  July 31, 2019 7:14 PM

  WESLACO – Researchers are joining an effort to figure out what's causing tumors in sea turtles. "A number of threats out on the water as well as a new virus is bringing these sea turtles here, so that people who take care of them, can figure out what's wrong... more »

• Waterspout Seen on South Padre Island Described as Rare Weather Occurrence Play Video

  July 27, 2019 5:03 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND- A couple of seconds. That's all it took for a waterspout to be considered a tornado Friday afternoon on South Padre Island. The rare weather event moved from out over the water onto land, giving it the tornado classification. CHANNEL 5's Cecilia Gutierrez spoke... more »

• New Ordinance at SPI to Ban Speakers on Golf Carts Play Video

  July 23, 2019 4:30 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – South Padre Island city leaders voted to ban speakers on golf carts. They’re now crafting an actual ordinance. The ban is an effort to quiet thing down. City leaders say they’ve received a number of loud music complaints; safety is also an issue.... more »

• Rare Manatee Sightings at South Padre Island Play Video

  July 18, 2019 5:16 PM

  LAGUNA MADRE - A manatee was spotted off the jetties at South Padre Island, nearly 1,000 miles from where the species is best known to roam. The search is underway for the marine mammal that somehow made its way along Padre Island. The first photos came out Wednesday... more »

• SPI Officials Warn About Safety Following Golf Cart Accident Play Video

  July 16, 2019 5:04 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Law enforcement officials are warning to take safety precautions when it comes to summer activities at South Padre Island. R.C. Flores says he has seen incidents on Padre Boulevard involving not only distracted drivers, but pedestrians. "There is pedestrians that are usually walking where... more »

• Man Charged for Hit-and-Run Involving Golf Cart on SPI Play Video

  July 16, 2019 12:25 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A suspect in a hit and run involving a golf cart on South Padre Island went before a judge Tuesday morning. Gregorio Gonzalez was charged with four counts of accident involving personal injury. His bond is set at $130,000. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported... more »

• SPI Police Arrest Driver Connected to Hit-and-Run Involving Golf Cart Play Video

  July 15, 2019 10:14 AM

  UPDATE (9:00 p.m.): Authorities have arrested 28-year-old Gregorio Gonzalez at the South Padre Island Police Department. Gonzalez is suspected of driving the white four door vehicle that fled the scene of the accident involving the golf cart. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. ----- SOUTH PADRE... more »

• Patrick McNulty Declared Unofficial Winner of South Padre Island Mayoral Runoff Race

  June 29, 2019 8:04 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND- Patrick McNulty beat out Darla Jones in the mayoral runoff election on South Padre Island. McNulty had 488 votes, to Jones' 388. According to the city, 634 people cast early votes. 242 showed up to the polls on election day Saturday. These results are... more »

• Official Highlights Measures to Prevent a Car Break-In at SPI Play Video

  June 20, 2019 4:16 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Car burglaries are on the rise at South Padre Island. A Cameron County park ranger tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS due to the burglaries they have also increased patrols. The most recent call was Wednesday; luckily there was a witness in the case who gave... more »

• Near Drowning Incidents Prompt Warning from SPI Beach Patrol Play Video

  June 19, 2019 5:18 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A young swimmer is recovering in the hospital after a near drowning incident off South Padre Island. Cameron County Beach Patrol Chief Art Hurtado says the swimmer was unresponsive when pulled from the water. Over the span of three days, there have been three... more »

• Expert Warns about Dangerous Surf Currents due to Strong Winds Play Video

  May 28, 2019 4:43 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Strong winds have dangerous surf conditions continue this week. Even in shallow waters, a person can feel how strong the rip currents can be. Experts are saying rip currents are not the only thing to be cautious of along the shorelines. A current... more »

• Road Closures Cancelled, SpaceX Test Postponed

  May 28, 2019 9:08 AM

  BOCA CHICA – A planned SpaceX test is now postponed. Road closures leading to Boca Chica Beach and Highway 4 are now cancelled. According to the Cameron County website, there could be road closures as early as next week. We'll keep you posted. more »

• CON MI GENTE: 52 Alligators Now Call SPI Home Play Video

  May 28, 2019 8:46 AM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The South Padre Island Birding Center is the new home to 52 alligators. The birding center is now a gator sanctuary. The alligators came from Gator Country in Beaumont, Texas. The sanctuary is open to the public. Watch the video above for the... more »

• New Sanctuary Brings in 51 Alligators to South Padre Island Play Video

  May 15, 2019 6:13 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – It has been four days since the opening of an alligator sanctuary in South Padre Island; the organization behind it says safety is their priority. The South Padre Island Birding Center is focusing on educating the public about alligators. They introduced 50 juvenile alligators... more »

• Strongman Competition Takes Over South Padre Island Play Video

  May 12, 2019 11:00 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Strong men and women of the valley competed over the weekend to see who was the strongest. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross attended the event to see what it takes to be crowned South Texas' Strongest Man and Woman. more »

• Valley Mom Turns Life Around Through Fitness Play Video

  May 12, 2019 10:43 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - The Global Bodybuilding Organization hosted the South Padre Island Showdown over the weekend. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross met one competitor that wasn't just competing to look good, but used the sport to bring her back to life. more »

• K-9 Arson Dog Joining SPI Fire Dept.

  May 10, 2019 11:00 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A K-9 arson dog is joining the South Padre Island Fire Department. Liberty, the new accelerant detection K-9 will make his debut at a press conference on Wednesday. These K-9’s are trained to sniff out traces of elements which may have started a fire.... more »

• Sea Turtle Inc. to be Featured on Texas Travel Program

  May 9, 2019 3:36 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A local turtle rescue center will be feature on a state travel program. The Texas Bucket List will highlight the impact Sea Turtle Inc. is making to treat, care for and release injured sea turtles. On Saturday, host Shane McAuliffe will get out of... more »

• Mcallen City, School Elections; South Padre Island Mayoral Race Results Play Video

  May 4, 2019 10:50 PM

  UPDATE (5/7): A runoff is still in the picture for McAllen City Commission District 5. The city of McAllen updated the results Tuesday - it shows 570 votes for John Ingram, 463 for Seby Haddad and 110 for Mark Murray. According to the latest numbers, no candidate received... more »

• SPI Fire Dept. Announces Summer Junior Lifeguard Program

  May 3, 2019 3:42 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The South Padre Island Fire Department is looking for youngsters to participate in their Junior Lifeguard Program. The department is inviting those between the ages of 10 to 16 to tryout. They will be meeting at the SPI Fire Station on May 4 and... more »

• Three Candidates Running for Mayor of SPI Play Video

  May 1, 2019 10:13 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – There are three candidates running for mayor of South Padre Island this year. This election is different from others; Mayor Dennis Stahl resigned earlier this year and candidates are competing to fill the unexpired term. The first candidate is Darla Jones. Jones is former... more »

• Body of Man Found along SPI Shoreline Play Video

  April 22, 2019 4:50 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – An investigation is underway after a body washed up on shore at South Padre Island. Officials are warning about the dangerous surf conditions and rip current risks after the body of a man was discovered near Beach Access 5 Monday morning. The chief of... more »

• SPI Officials Expecting Fewer Travelers for Semana Santa Play Video

  April 18, 2019 10:30 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – South Padre Island officials aren’t expecting as many visitors for Semana Santa as compared to last year. The manager at Dirty Al’s Restaurant says the crowd at SPI seems to slow down every year. "Last year, because we had more holidays together, like, spring... more »

• Sugarland Woman Sentenced to 11 years for Fatal Hit and Run on SPI Play Video

  April 17, 2019 10:52 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Sugarland woman will spend the next 11 years in a state prison. Daisy Joy Decker, 21, appeared in court Wednesday morning. She pleaded guilty to nine charges including intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault with a vehicle and accident involving serious bodily injury. In 2017, Decker... more »

• National Tropical Weather Conference Taking Place at SPI Play Video

  April 4, 2019 6:15 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The National Tropical Weather Conference is taking place at South Padre Island. Weather experts are meeting to discuss the upcoming hurricane season. The conference is taking place at the Brownsville International Airport. Hurricane hunters brought their C-130, the plane used to fly into... more »

• Vacancy: Less Hotel Reservations amid Talk of Possible Border Shutdown Play Video

  April 3, 2019 6:20 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Hotel rooms that are normally booked at South Padre Island are empty amid the talks of a possible border shutdown. The Pearl Resort’s director of sales and marketing says they’re behind pace compared to last year. "We've seen that the booking window is typically... more »

• Crews Hit the Beach to Clean-Up Spring Break Mess Play Video

  March 23, 2019 4:49 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND- As Spring Break winds down, clean-up crews on the island hit the beach to get rid of the mess left behind. Crews are working extra hours to get ready for Easter weekend. CHANNEL 5's Cecilia Gutierrez spoke to the Shoreline Department, who says it's all... more »

• Suspects Arrested in Hit-and-Run on South Padre Island Charged Play Video

  March 16, 2019 9:02 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND-Three suspects arrested in a hit-and-run investigation went before a judge Sunday. Lorenzo Johnson, Madison Wheatley and Christopher Hart are all from Waco, Texas. The incident happened Friday night on the 5000 block of Padre Boulevard. A victim was found left lying in a parking... more »

• Cameron Co. Reopens 3 Beach Accesses Play Video

  March 14, 2019 9:51 AM

  UPDATE (3/17): Cameron County officials announced the reopening of county Beach Access 5 and 6, along with Boca Chica Beach Sunday morning. -- SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Cameron County will be temporarily closing three beach accesses to vehicular traffic on South Padre Island. According to a press... more »

• South Padre Island Task Force Monitoring Social Media Activity Play Video

  March 13, 2019 9:31 AM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The city of South Padre Island is keeping a close eye on social media activity. A social media task force is in place on the island. Their job will be to monitor what spring breakers post. The task force was formed due to... more »

• SPI Resident Concerned About Upcoming Spring Break Safety

  March 4, 2019 3:51 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A South Padre Island resident says he is concerned about the upcoming Spring Break trouble. Mark Atwood says he stays on the island during spring break and is worried about making it though the week without incident on his property. Atwood says he has... more »

• 13 Fishermen from Mexico Detained for Illegal Fishing Play Video

  February 28, 2019 5:31 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A routine patrol by a Coast Guard helicopter led to the detainment of 13 fishermen. The Coast Guard says the fishermen were illegally fishing more than 4,600 pounds of red snapper, north of South Padre Island near Port Mansfield. Jason Ferguson from the Texas... more »

• SPI Looking to Bring in Millions of Dollars in Outstanding Warrants

  February 27, 2019 1:03 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The city of South Padre Island is looking to bring in millions of dollars in outstanding warrants. Police say if you owe on old citations, you can avoid arrest by paying at the SPI Municipal Courthouse by March 8. Payments options are available and... more »

• Cameron Co. Reopens 3 County Beach Access Areas Play Video

  February 18, 2019 4:54 PM

  UPDATE (2/20): The three county beach access areas have been reopened. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. requested the reopening of County Beach Access #5, County Beach Access #6 and Boca Chica Beach. It is advised to use caution with the potential presence of high rip currents and... more »