Editor ––

As an island resident, I know that when our beaches are good, they are very very good. But when they are like this they are horrid.

Can we please talk about a common sense plan for beach grooming?  I’m not suggesting once a week or once a month. 

We often go weeks and months without needing it.  What if we consider this?  When the beach looks like this on the days leading up to a weekend when good weather and hundreds of visitors are expected, scrape up the mounds of organic material and dump it in our precious dunes.  Once there it would stabilize that sand and nourish our native plants.  Maybe the hundreds of visitors could then enjoy a clean beach.  They just might go home and schedule their next getaway to our little piece of paradise. 

Island Matters Member

Editor ––

My family came for a visit this past weekend and we were distressed to see all the seaweed on the beach. Unsightly and it stunk. I thought the city raked up the seaweed.  Not a good look for tourism.

Barbara Flowers, Island Resident

Editor ––

Incoming sargassum is developing a negative impact that could potentially impact SPI's economic climate. In addition to human health issues our turtles will not be able to enter the sand for eye laying.  Daily raking the beach inserting the seaweed buildup back to the dune structure will ensure stable protection for all concerned. 

There is NOAH documented testimony including other watchful agency buildup of hundreds of miles of this environmental incoming dilemma.  My own families (Hawaii & Austin, TX ) scheduled to arrive in early July have suggested another venue.  We have already rented two homes at The Shores and are currently committed.   

Texas must be more proactive on a plan that will protect our Island, visitors, local economy and  turtle migration.  We don't need B.S. wordology attempting to calm an incoming storm. Action preparedness is critical. 

We have emailed Kerry Schwartz and will cc: city manager Randy Smith & Cameron County Parks Director Joe Vega. 

Protecting our SPI Island beaches is our highest priority. 

Many thanks & look forward to raking solutions.  Read the attached emails to our island personnel.

Vic & Donyce Sprecher, Island Residents

[Editors note: The City raked part of the beach it prior to Sunday morning]

"Thank you to Kristina Boburka and the Shoreline Department! Last nights raking was a success! The beaches look great today!"

Courtesy of Mayor Patrick McNulty's Facebook page

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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597