What happened: Louie M. Sanchez, the lobbyist for SPI, discussed topics relevant to the island with the City Council on Feb 6.

Sanchez reviewed topics that would be followed during the session with the council.

Items for SPI

Second causeway,

Deep water marina,

Convention center expansion,

Beach renourishment, and

School start dates.

Why it matters: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 10, and Sanchez says he's keeping track of SPI's seat at the table.

"You know the saying is that if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. And if you're not on the menu, someone else is eating your lunch," said Sanchez.

While the need for a second causeway to SPI speaks for itself for residents and visitors, other items proposed on the Texas legislative agenda are being monitored by Sanchez.

Items to consider in this session are legalized gambling, short-term rentals, and better broad band requested by Councilwoman Eva Jean Dalton.

What now: Island Matters (IM) reached out for comment on toll roads, legalized gambling, and island collaborating politically with other coastal communities.

[Island Matters is following this story]