Serving on a board or committee is an excellent way to give get involved and give back to the community. The City of South Padre Island prides itself on transparency and community involvement. There are boards and committees in numerous areas and expertise so if there is one that you think you would be a good fit for we encourage you to submit an application.
Each Fall, the City of South Padre Island City Council looks for qualified volunteers to fill the expiring terms on the following committees:
Board of Adjustments - (Must be a resident)
Board of Ethics - (Must be a resident)
Convention and Visitors Advisory Board - (Must be in the Hotel/Motel, Condo Rental Industry)
Development Standards Review Task Force
Economic Development Corporation
Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful Committee
Planning and Zoning Commission
Shoreline Task Force
Special Events Committee (Must be in the tourism, hospitality, and events industry)
When openings are available, applications can be picked up at City Hall located at 4601 Padre Boulevard or you can download the application by clicking here. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please complete an application and forward to Angelique Soto, City Secretary.
Methods of submitting an application: Email: nsoto@myspi.org FAX: (956) 761-3888 MAIL: 4601 Padre Boulevard South Padre Island, Texas 78597
If you are a current member and wish to continue serving please notify the City Secretary's Office in writing.
Caring For Our Living Shoreline
Importance of preserving our beach
Storm protection - a wide sandy beach helps separate storm waves from hotels and homes.
Habitat restoration - numerous species such as the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles and Piping Plovers rely on wide, healthy beaches as a place to live, feed, and nest.
Economic Impact- every year, there are over 2 billion visitors to America's beaches that support local economies.
Image by US National Park Service
Importance of a Healthy Dune System
Dunes are important because they are our first line of defense from major storms and flooding. Coastal communities are protected from the storms that occur in the Gulf by a system of vegetated sand dunes which provide a protective barrier. Vegetation helps with the easily eroded dunes by creating a barrier between the sand and the wind that will blow them away. The Texas General Land Office has directed coastal communities to protect these dunes because stabilized, vegetated dunes offer the best natural defense against damage caused by storms.
The desired outcomes of these efforts are two-fold:
To solidify a continuous dune line, offering storm protection
Act as a reservoir of sand to replenish eroded beaches during high energy wave events
Image by NY Sea Grant - Stony Brook University
A New Take on Sargassum
Image by Florida Museum of Natural History – University of Florida
Sargassum species found on SPI have berrylike gas-filled bladders that help keep the fronds afloat to promote photosynthesis. The thick masses of Sargassum provide an environment for a distinctive and specialized group of marine animals and plants, many of which are not found elsewhere. However, since they float, they occasionally end up on our shores.
If you have visited our City in the past, you know that the beaches were typically raked or groomed on a regular basis in an effort to remove any natural debris such as Sargassum (beach raking is the mechanized removal of seaweed and other natural materials from the beach). Sargassum on the beach is often viewed as aesthetically unappealing. While superficially appearing to be a nuisance, if we let nature take its course, Sargassum plays a number of critical roles in the beach and dune system:
Beaches return to natural cycles
Stops beach erosion by trapping and keeping sand in place
Allows dunes to re-vegetate and strengthen by adding nutrients to the system used by dune vegetation
With this knowledge, the City will strive to rake the beaches only when there is a significant amount of seaweed on the beach. Any seaweed that is removed will be placed strategically at the toe of the dunes (and possibly relocated at a later time) to assist with dune restoration. The City will make every effort to remove any and all non-natural material from the seaweed deposits.
How Can You Help
The most important thing you can do, is to stay within the beach area and away from the dunes and covering vegetation. This will make sure that there are no unnecessary disturbances to the dune system. Another great thing to do to help your local beach ecosystem, is to volunteer! There are many different organizations just within SPI that have volunteer work for many different aspects of our beach ecosystems. And the easiest way to help is to simply be educated, which you are doing right now by reading all about our dune ecosystems. The Shoreline Department thanks you for the time you put into our lovely home!
Special Events
Special Events Funding Guidelines & Application
The City of South Padre Island Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB) has set forth guidelines for events funding, which serve as your guide as an event organizer to present your event to the Convention & Visitors Advisory Board. If your event is approved by the board, and after the event has occurred, the Guidelines and completed form also serve as the Convention & Visitors Advisory Board's rubric for evaluating your event.
The primary goals of the Code Enforcement Division are to service the public by assuring compliance with local ordinances; respond to calls for service (food establishments, solid waste, and other health or quality of life regulations); enforce local ordinances or state law regarding health issues; and to prevent and detect ordinance violations.
If you would like your company's name to be placed on the City of South Padre Island Bid Notification List, you must subscribe to the Bids/RFPs email notification. To sign up to the the Bids/RFPs email notification or any of the other email notifications the City offers please visit the Email Notifications page.
Chief Jim Pigg's BIO
Fire and Ocean Rescue Chief James L Pigg
Chief Pigg was appointed as Fire and Ocean Rescue Chief for the City of South Padre Island on December 30, 2019. He is also the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
Chief Pigg has been a member of the South Padre Island Fire Department since July 15, 2005 when he was hired as a firefighter/EMT. He has also been a member of the South Padre Island Ocean Rescue and Beach Patrol since its inception in 2008 and has been a resident of South Padre since April, 2001. Chief Pigg started the Junior Lifeguard program in the summer of 2018 and has watched its numbers grow each year.
Chief Pigg holds the following degrees and certificates:
Associates degree of Fire Science from Weatherford College
Associates degree of Fire Administration from Weatherford College
Master Structure Firefighter through Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Emergency Medical Technician B
National Fire Academy/ Fire Service Financial Management
National Fire Academy/ Management and Planning Specialized Operations
Master/ Instructor Scuba Diver NAUI
50 Ton Captain License
Career Opportunities
Employees interested in these positions should submit a letter of intent to the Human Resources Department. Please note the City's Employment of Relatives Policy states no employees shall oversee the work of a relative, both parties can not report to the same direct supervisor and one of the parties may not be a relative or an Elected Official or City Manager.
To download the employment application please click here. Applications and Resumes can be faxed to Human Resources at (956) 467-1529, emailed to Employment@MySPI.org or mailed to 4601 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, Attn: HR. The City application must be completed in full to be considered for any position.
Job Description Complete job descriptions are available at City Hall or by request at (956)761-6456 or by email at Employment@MySPI.org.
E-Verify The Human Resources division uses E-Verify to validate the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work for the City of South Padre Island. (English/Spanish Poster)
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of South Padre Island is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin, age or physical/mental disability in employment or the provision of services.
Accommodations Arrangements can be made to accommodate applicants in completing the application requirements for any position. Please contact the Human Resources division at (956) 761-8100 for more information.
Jurisdiction
Traffic Violations:
Include moving and non-moving violations, commercial vehicle violations, failure to maintain financial responsibility, no driver's license, etc.
Parking Violations:
Violations of the city parking ordinances.
Class C Misdemeanors:
Offenses punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 and including public intoxication, theft (less than $100), disorderly conduct, alcohol offenses involving minors, and assaults.
Violations of City Ordinance:
Violations of city codes including those for fire safety, zoning, public health and sanitation, animal control, and solid waste.
Message from the Chief
Welcome,
On Behalf of SPI-PD, I would like to welcome you to beautiful South Padre Island and the SPI-PD's website. As Chief, I am committed to maintaining an open-door policy and feel that it is vital that we stay connected, while sharing our thoughts and concerns. I believe this website is a valuable means of furthering that effort.
I strongly believe there is nothing more important than working together, as a community, to ensure that we maintain a safe environment in which families can flourish, businesses can profit and tourist are fulfilled with a positive experience. The members of South Padre Island Police Department take their responsibilities seriously and are committed to this community, while striving on a daily basis for innovative and efficient ways of improving.
I am committed to doing everything in my power to serve the men and women of the Department by creating an environment in which they can proudly and professionally serve the citizenry in a manner that is second to none.
Sincerely,
Claudine O'Carroll
Department Goal
Beach Accessibility
People come from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful beaches on South Padre Island. Therefore, making the beaches accessible is a top priority for the City.
To promote accessibility, the City has:
28 beach access points
19 accesses have parking
400+ parking spaces at accesses
30+ of those being handicap spaces
All accesses either have a walk-over or an access-mat making them wheelchair accessible (pictures below)
Current and future projects are helping create a more accessible beach for everyone!
In early 2010 the City received 6 accessibility chairs (pictured below). Accessibility chairs are amphibious wheelchairs that are beach and surf accessible. With the addition of these new accessibility chairs, the Texas Land Commission Jerry Patterson declared South Padre Island beaches the “most accessible in Texas”.
To check out an accessibility chair, please contact the South Padre Island's Fire Department at (956) 761-3040.
In addition, the City of South Padre Island has handicapped accessibility transportation. All of the Island Metro buses meet ADA requirements and are equipped with wheelchair lifts. They also offer Paratransit services, which permits the handicapped passenger to be picked up from anywhere along the designated route and transported to any of our beach accesses. The passenger requesting the Paratransit service must complete an application, which includes being evaluated by a doctor. To view and download the Paratransit application please click here. All applications need to be turned in at the Island Metro Administrative Offices at 321 Padre Boulevard.
Subdivision
Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances shall be known and may be cited as the "Subdivision Regulations" of the City of South Padre Island. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the orderly, safe and healthful development of the area within the City and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction and to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community.
These subdivision regulations shall apply to all subdivisions of land, as defined herein, located within the municipal boundaries of the City of South Padre Island, Texas, and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, as now or hereafter established. Therefore, every subdivision of land within the City of South Padre Island and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction shall be upon a plat and submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their approval or disapproval as respectively required by this Ordinance.
The Department primarily ensures the food safety of local restaurants and provides related training for servers and handlers working in city restaurants.
The Department conducts restaurant inspection ratings and assists restaurants with hurricane preparedness and in implementing post-emergency procedures.
The City Budget is the financial plan that is prepared before the beginning of each fiscal year. The budget preparation process extends over several months and it includes careful deliberation on how to allocate limited resources to meet the priorities identified by the citizens of South Padre Island.
The Budget Process The Board adopts an "appropriated budget" on a basis consistent with GAAP for the general fund, certain special revenue funds and the debt service fund. The City is required to present the original and the final amended budgets for revenues and expenditures compared to actual revenues and expenditures for the general fund and major special revenue funds at the functional level of detail, as included herein.
In establishing budgetary data reflected in the financial statements, the City follows these procedures:
The City Manager establishes the amount of estimated revenues and other resources available for appropriation for the succeeding budget year.
The City Manager submits to the City Council a proposed operating budget for the fiscal year commencing the following October 1.
The operating budget includes proposed expenditures by fund, function and activity and the means of financing them.
Public hearings and workshops (including department heads) are conducted at the City Hall to obtain taxpayer and elected officials' comments.
Prior to October 1, the budget is legally adopted by the City Council.
Revisions that alter budgets at the department level within a fund must be approved by the City Council. The Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances - Budget and Actual - all Governmental Fund Types reflect these revisions. Actual expenditures and operating transfers may not legally exceed budget appropriations at the individual fund level.
Formal budgetary integration is employed as a management control device during the year for the General, certain Special Revenue and Debt Service Funds.
Annual appropriated budgets are adopted for the General, certain Special Revenue and Debt Service Funds. All annual appropriations lapse at year-end to the extent they have not been expended or encumbered.
Before October 1, the proposed budget is presented to the City Council for review. The City Council holds public hearings and may add to, subtract from or change appropriations, but may not change the form of the budget.
Any changes in the budget must be within the revenues and reserves estimated as available by the City Manager or the revenue estimates must be changed by an affirmative vote of a majority of the City Council. Expenditures may not legally exceed budgeted appropriations at the fund level.
The City of South Padre Island offers a variety of benefits to employees to include vacation, sick, and holiday pay, medical, vision, and dental insurance, life insurance, retirement, and more!
Appearance The law requires you to make an appearance on your case. Your appearance or Court date is noted on your citation. You (or your attorney) may do this in person before the Judge or in writing by mail or fax. For your convenience, there is a signature line and a plea line on the bottom of the citation which can be used as a written "appearance or written notification.
Pleas You must enter one of these three pleas:
Guilty- means you admit guilt and either wish to give an explanation or just pay the fine. Once the fine is paid the case is closed. To view form, please click here.
No Contender (no contest) means that you personally do not want to admit guilt, but you do not want to contest the charge(s) in a trial. You may pay the fine; give an explanation or present proof of compliance. The Judge will review your case and will determine whether he finds you guilty, sets a fine or dismisses the charge(s). To view form, please click here.
Not Guilty- Means you deny guilt and want a bench or jury trial to be set at a later date in this Court. You must post a bond set by the Judge to ensure that you will be present for the trial. To view form, please click here.
You may also plea without appearing in Court by printing and filling out the Plea Without Appearance form. To view form please click here.
Driver's Safety Courses (DSC) If you are charged with a traffic offense, you may request DSC. The request must be made before the appearance date on the citation. You must enter a plea of guilty or no contest; present a Texas DL and current insurance to the court; pay a fee of $110.00. You will have 90 days to complete DSC. Upon presenting a certificate of completion to the Court, the Judge may dismiss the offense.
Deferred Disposition The judge may grant deferred disposition (place on probationary period 30-60-90 or 180 days) most offenses. The request must be made in writing before the appearance date on the citation. If you do not violate any laws of the US during the probationary period, the Judge may dismiss the offense. The deferral fee for traffic violations are $250.00, TABC violations $280.00, $300.00 for Public Intoxication and Ordinances, and $400.00 for other offenses.
Inspection/Registration/No DL Expired Vehicle Inspection, Invalid Registration or Failure to Display Driver's License/Expired DL cases may be dismissed at the Judge's discretion if the defect is remedied by your appearance date and proof is presented in writing to the Court (a $20 fee is required).
Failure to Provide Financial Responsibility If you present evidence of financial responsibility (insurance), valid at the time of the offense, to the Court on or before your appearance date this violation may be dismissed at Judge's discretion.
Fines and Fees
If you are convicted of an offense and are unable to pay the fine and court costs, you may have the court assess your ability to pay and the court may provide alternatives to full payment in satisfying the judgment.
Patrol
Patrol Division is part of our first responder team, tasked with the duty of protecting our citizens and visitors alike. It is the policy of this department to staff, equip, and maintain a uniformed patrol component designed to engage in a wide variety of law enforcement activities:
Patrol / respond to calls for service
Crime suppression
Preliminary investigations
Traffic safety
Provide First Responder emergency services
Both reactive and proactive approach
Primary Objectives
The primary goal of the SPI-PD Patrol Division is to protect our citizens and visitors alike, safe guard property and promote public safety through proactive policing strategies designed to suppress crime and reduce traffic accidents.
To address this goal, the Patrol Division implemented:
District Oriented Policing methods
Crime Awareness programs
Field Interview Cards
Proactive responsive anti-crime programs
Specialized Patrols
Motorcycle patrol
K-9 patrol
Bicycle patrol
ATV patrol
Policies
South Padre Island Metro POLICIES
Articles Permitted on South Padre Island Metro Buses
Hand baggage, packages or articles which can be carried by the passenger or stowed under the seats.
Walkers, carriages and strollers must be folded and/or placed out of the way of the aisles and in a location that does not block the view of the operator.
Surfboards and other beach paraphernalia are permitted if room allows, but passengers must hold on to them at all times, must keep them out of the aisles, and in a location that does not block the view of the operator.
Fishing poles with hooks appropriately secured or removed are permitted, if room allows and only if the passenger holds onto it/them at all times, keeps them out of the aisles and in a location that does not block the view of the operator.
Bicycles, only if the bike rack on the bus is full, broken or otherwise unavailable for use.
Certified service animals only permitted on buses.
Prohibited Articles on South Padre Island Metro Buses
Sharp objects or instruments.
Gasoline or other hazardous materials.
Explosives.
Firearms.
Furniture of any kind.
Car batteries.
Anything which will cause obstruction of the aisles, obstruct the view of the vehicle operator, or which can potentially harm or injure those on board.
Illegal drugs of any kind.
Pets, exception for certified service animals only.
The eligibility of articles not specifically identified with regards to transportation will be determined at the discretion of South Padre Island Metro Supervisor personnel.
Prohibited Behaviors of South Padre Island Metro Bus Operators SPI TRANSIT Bus Operators are specifically prohibited from:
Entering residences of passengers.
Performing any personal care assistance for riders, including assisting riders to dress.
Lifting or carrying riders.
Maneuvering riders or wheelchairs up or down steps.
Requesting tips or gratuities.
Prohibited Behaviors of South Padre Island Metro Passengers
Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Riding as a passenger while possessing or being under the influence of illegal drugs. Littering in or outside of the vehicle.
Passengers may not play radios, cassette tape players, compact disc players, MP3 players or any other sound-generating device out loud while on South Padre Island Metro vehicles; riders may, however, use earphones or headphones.
Disorderly or Abusive Passengers Passengers violating the safe operation of a South Padre Island Metro vehicle or who threaten the well-being of other passengers and/or operators may be:
Denied Service
Requested to Leave the Vehicle
Banned from Further Passage: or as a last resort
Arrested and Charged.
The City of South Padre Island does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items, nor do any South Padre Island Metro vehicle operators. All passengers should use seat belts while riding in the vehicle and the City will ensure that a sign is posted in all South Padre Island Metro vehicles encouraging all passengers to use their seat belts.
POLÍTICAS South Padre Island Metro
Artículos permitidos en el Island Metro
1. El equipaje de mano, paquetes o artículos que se pueden llevar cargado por el pasajero o debajo de los asientos. 2. Andadores, cochecitos y carriolas deben ser doblados y / o colocados fuera del camino de los pasillos y en un lugar que no bloquea la vista del operador. 3. Las tablas de surf y otros accesorios de playa se permiten si la habitación lo permite, pero los pasajeros deben aferrarse a ellos en todo momento, debe mantenerlos fuera de los pasillos, y en un lugar que no bloquea la vista del operador.
Las cañas de pescar con anzuelos garantizados o eliminados adecuadamente, si la habitación lo permite y sólo si el pasajero se aferra a él / ellos en todo momento, los mantiene fuera de los pasillos y en un lugar que no bloquea la vista del operador. Las bicicletas, sólo si el soporte para bicicletas en el autobús está lleno, roto o no está disponible para su uso. 6. Animales de servicio certificados sólo se permite en los autobuses.
Artículos prohibidos en el Island Metro
1. Los objetos afilados o instrumentos. 2. La gasolina u otros materiales peligrosos. 3. Los explosivos. 4. Las armas de fuego. 5. muebles de cualquier tipo. 6. Las baterías de coches. 7. Cualquier cosa que hará que la obstrucción de los pasillos, obstruya la vista del conductor del vehículo, o que potencialmente puede dañar o herir a las personas a bordo. 8. Las drogas ilegales de cualquier tipo. 9. Se admiten, a excepción solamente de los animales de servicio autorizados. La elegibilidad de los artículos no identificados específicamente en relación con el transporte será determinado a discreción del personal ISLAND METRO supervisor.
Comportamientos prohibidos de operadores de autobuses de METRO ISLAND
Operadores del ISLAND METRO están específicamente prohibidos de: 1. Introducción de las residencias de los pasajeros. 2. La realización de cualquier asistencia de cuidado personal para los pilotos, incluyendo la asistencia de los corredores de vestir. 3. Levantar o transportar pasajeros. 4. Maniobrar pasajeros o sillas de ruedas para subir o bajar escalones. 5. Solicitud de consejos o gratificaciones.
Las conductas prohibidas de los pasajeros del ISLAND METRO
1. Fumar cigarrillos, puros o pipas. 2. Consumo de bebidas alcohólicas. 3. Viajaba como pasajero, mientras poseer o estar bajo la influencia de drogas ilegales. Tirar basura dentro o fuera del vehículo. 4. Los pasajeros no pueden jugar radios, grabadoras de casete, reproductores de discos compactos, reproductores de MP3 o cualquier otro dispositivo de generación de sonido en voz alta, mientras que en los vehículos de tránsito; los pasajeros pueden, sin embargo, utilizar los auriculares. 5. Ocupando más de un asiento con alimentos, etc. 6. La higiene personal que es ofensivo para la mayoría de los pasajeros o conductor del vehículo no será tolerado y no se producirá una conversación privada con el pasajero infractor. Otras medidas pueden ocurrir si la situación no se corrige. 7. Física / o abuso verbal hacia otro conductor o pasajero de un vehículo del ISLAND METRO no será tolerado y no se tomará acción inmediata (Ejemplos: gritos, levantando la voz, golpear a otro pasajero, insultos, gestos inapropiados u otra acción similar). 8. Montar un autobús del ISLAND METRO por razones recreativas, tales como pasear por la ciudad sin rumbo fijo o visitar otro conductor. 9. Cualquier acción por un pasajero que puede poner en peligro la seguridad y el bienestar de otro pasajero (s), el conductor o el vehículo del ISLAND METRO en sí, dará lugar a medidas disciplinarias inmediatas y / o denegación de servicio del ISLAND METRO a ese individuo.
Los pasajeros desordenadas o abusivo
Los pasajeros que violen la operación segura de un vehículo de transporte o que ponen en peligro el bienestar de los demás pasajeros y / o los operadores pueden ser: 1. Denegado de servicio 2. Pedirá que abandone el vehículo 3. Prohibidos de paso adicional: o como último recurso 4. Arrestados y acusados.
La Ciudad de South Padre Island no asume responsabilidad por artículos perdidos o robados, ni ningún operador de vehículos del ISLAND METRO. Todos los pasajeros deben usar cinturones de seguridad al viajar en el vehículo y la Ciudad se asegurará de que un signo se registra en todos los vehículos de ISLAND METRO alentando a todos los pasajeros a usar el cinturón de seguridad.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
If you believe you have been discriminated against due to race/color, national origin, low income, or limited English proficiency by an Island Metro employee, please obtain a Title VI Complaint Form on our website at www.myspi.org, by calling 956-761-8175, or by visiting Island Metro administrative office at 321 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597.
Complaints may also be submitted to the following:
Texas Department of Transportation, Attn: TxDOT-PTN, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2483;
Federal Transit Administration, Region VI, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36, Fort Worth, TX 7612;
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington DC 20590.
Si neceita informacion en otro idoma,entonces contactenos 956-761-8178.
El Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 estipula "ninguna persona en los Estados Unidos será, por razón de raza, color u origen nacional, excluida de la participación en, negada los beneficios de o ser objeto de discriminación bajo cualquier programa o actividad que reciba asistencia financiera federal.”
Si usted cree que usted ha sido discriminado por raza/color, origen nacional, bajos ingresos o habilidad limitada en ingléspor un empleado Island Metro, por favor, obtenga un formulario de queja de Título VI en nuestro sitio web en www.myspi.org, o llamando al 956-761-8175, o visitando la oficina administrativa Island Metro ubicada en el 321 Padre Boulevard.
Las quejas también se pueden enviar a:
Departamento de Transporte de Texas, Attn: TxDOT-PTN, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2483;
Administración Federal de Tránsito, Región VI, 819 Taylor Street, Sala 8A36, Fort Worth, TX 7612;
Oficina de Derechos Civiles de la Administración Federal de Tránsito, Atención: Coordinador del Programa Título VI, Edificio Este, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington DC 20590.
Community Center
SPI Community Center
Hours: 8 am-5 pm M-F and by appointment. Call 956-761-8168
4501 Padre Blvd. (next door to City Hall)
The South Padre Island Community Center is intended to serve SPI and Laguna Madre residents and organizations as a “hub for partnerships doing good for the community…with the community.” The City now provides an excellent facility for a variety of activities. Space available includes a 2500 sq. foot event Hall with limited kitchen facilities. Community groups, non-profits, businesses, and individuals can request a reservation at the Community Center.
We have many activities such as Bridge, Mahjong, Line Dancing, Ballroom Dancing and educational opportunities for all to enjoy. Check out our online calendar to find out what is happening now.
Mission Statement:The City of South Padre Island is a unique, friendly seaside resort community that values its residents and tourists, preserves and protects the natural environment and provides for quality sustainable growth and development that is highly diverse and responsive to changing economic conditions.
Ongoing Projects
Beach Bay Under Construction Future Plan
Beach Access Improvements:
The beach is our City's pride and joy, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it! We are working on updating each access point to include more amenities (i.e. bathrooms and showers) and to be more handicap accessible.
#22 Fantasy Circle completed December 2024
#16 Neptune
Access 16 is currently under construction. New construction will include: restroom, water fountain, showers, ADA compliant walkover, and improved parking.
#1 Harbor
Access 1 updates are currently being engineered.
#9 Bluewater
Access 9 updates are currently being engineered.
#12 Day Dream
Access 12 updates are currently being engineered.
Dune Restoration and Management
This project will restore two miles of linear beach through strategic planting of vegetation and sand fencing. The fencing is at a 45° angle to help catch any wind-driven sand and trap it to create new dunes. The vegetation will then help keep the sand in place, helping keep the dune on the beach.
Beneficial Use of Dredge Material (BUDM)
Beneficial uses are defined as “productive and positive uses of dredged material, which cover broad use categories ranging from fish and wildlife habitat development, to human recreation, to industrial/commercial uses” (USACE BUDM, Engineer Manual 1110-2-5026).
Following the City's Erosion Response Plan, utilizing this dredged material will help to keep sand on the depleting northern section of our beach.
Tomkins Channel
Brazos Santiago Pass
The City partners with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Brazos Santiago Pass. This is completed every couple of years.
Wind and Water Sports Venue
Bay side Boat Ramp
Marketing & Communications
The Marketing & Communications team at Visit South Padre Island leads South Padre Island's tourism efforts and the South Padre Island Convention Center by promoting the Island through innovative marketing, public relations, social media, digital communications, and comprehensive website efforts. The marketing team and its agency of record develop strategies to increase awareness and understanding of the South Padre Island destination brand and drive demand for overnight accommodations. Using data-driven insights, the team shapes messaging and determines the most effective distribution channels for paid media while complementing that with integrated, proactive media relations efforts, content development strategies, niche promotions, and social outreach to further amplify destination awareness and buzz.
Our strategies target meeting and convention planners, influencers, convention attendees, domestic group tour operators, and overseas leisure travelers and travel trade professionals.
The Animal Control division of Environmental Health Services is responsible for the humane treatment of animals, the enforcement of animal related laws in the Code of Ordinances, Texas Health and Safety Code and Texas Penal Code, and assisting the public with animal related concerns.
Currently, there are six Animal Control Officers that assist the public daily with removing animals from properties, loaning humane traps, reuniting pets with owners, and so much more. Our officers have many years of experience with animal handling, housing, maintenance, and care.
Likely Violations Addressed
Dogs at large - All dogs located within the Town shall at all times be fenced, housed, leashed, tethered or in some other manner physically restrained so that they may not any time run at large within the limits of the Town.
Livestock prohibited - The keeping of any horses, jacks, jennets, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, hogs or other livestock within the Town is declared a nuisance and is prohibited and unlawful.
Horseback riding regulated - It is unlawful for any person to ride a horse, mule, donkey or any other animal through or upon the beaches or other public right-of-ways within the Town limits.
Cleaning up after pets - Any person owning, keeping, possessing or harboring any dog or cat shall promptly remove and dispose of all feces left by the dog or cat on any public property and on any private property not owned by such person or lawfully occupied by such person.
Tip of the Month
When you discover an animal, feral or domestic, it is NOT safe to assume the animal will not harm you. Being bitten or scratched can lead to severe bleeding, infection or disease. Allow an expert to humanely remove or rescue an animal that may be injured, lost, or a nuisance. Humane traps are available from the Environmental Health Services Department at no cost. Proper identification is required and a replacement fee may apply if the trap is stolen, lost or damaged.
Department Reports
Beach Patrol & Safety
South Padre Island Fire Department Beach Patrol was started as a pilot program in July of 2008. Its goal is to monitor beach activities and to provide rescue services as needed on the City's Beaches. The long narrow beaches of SPI do not lend themselves to traditional stationary lifeguard stands; therefore a "mobile patrol" was envisioned in order to cover all of the City's beach area. They not only respond to calls for assistance and caution people on the beach about potentially hazards actions, they also provide minor first aid for jelly fish stings, scrapes, and cuts, etc. The Beach Patrol members act as ambassadors for the City by providing information to our visitors on such far ranging topics as "what kind of fish is that", to "where is a good place to watch the sunset".
Each year the Beach Patrol:
Responds to over 1000 First aid calls
Performs more than 2500 preventative actions
Makes 150 swimmer assists
Conducts over 30 rescues
The Beach Patrol is an essential part of making our visitors trip to the beach a happy and safe experience.
Failure to Appear
If you fail to appear in-person, by mail, or by fax by the date noted on your citation, you can be charged with an additional offense of "Violations Of Promise To Appear" or "Failure to Appear" and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
The offenses of "Violation of Promise to Appear" and "Failure to Appear" carry with them additional court costs, fees, and fines.
Jail
SPI-PD Jail Division is set up as a temporary prisoner holding facility and is staffed on an as needed basis. All long-term incarcerations are transferred to the Cameron County jail.
The Jail is comprised of:
Generalized booking area
DWI evaluation room
Fingerprint / Identification area
Property Vault
Male holding
Female holding
Juvenile holding
Drainage & ROW Maintenance
The Right-of-Way Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining the City's streets, drainage, and green spaces such as its parks and medians. If you have a concern regarding a pothole or any other maintenance issue, please contact us or call (956) 761-8159.
NOTE:The City does not make repairs to private driveways, even if they are within the public right-of-way.
Any work done by a property owner or contractor within the street right-of-way (driveway repairs, etc.) will require a Right-of-Way Permit. For information regarding Right-of-Way Permits, please contact (956) 761-8159.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for all maintenance (not including landscaping) along Padre Boulevard and the Queen Isabella Causeway. For more information, please call (956) 399-5102. Contractors who wish to perform work within the TxDOT right-of-way must apply for a no fee notification permit from the City. For information on the notification permit, please call (956) 761-8159.
Calendar of Events
Board of Adjustments & Appeals
The Board of Adjustments & Appeals hears and decides special exceptions to the Zoning Code when required to do so. The Board can authorize in specific cases a variance from the terms of the Zoning Code if the variance is not contrary to the public interest and, due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the Code would result in unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of the Code is observed and justice is done.
The Board also hears and decides appeals that allege an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the Zoning Code.
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals (Building) shall hear appeals based on a claim that the true intent of the Building Codes or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the codes do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The Board has no authority to waive the requirements of the Codes.
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals (Zoning) acts in a quasi-judicial manner to hear and review cases/requests for zoning variances (such as encroachments within front, side, and/or rear yard setbacks; parking issues, landscaping issues, etc.) Decisions of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals are final and cannot be appealed by the City Council, only the County Court.
Texas Natural Resources Code § 63.001 states, ‘..it is necessary to protect these dunes as provided in this chapter because stabilized, vegetated dunes offer the best natural defense against storms and are areas of significant biological diversity.’
All permits are required for any activity east of the Dune Protection Line (DPL).
The DPL is east right-of-way of Gulf Boulevard throughout most of the City limits and east right-of-way of Park Road 100 within the Shores Subdivision (see SPI Projects Map).
Only walkovers that are meant to get patrons from their property to the public beach are allowed to be built east of the Historic Building Line or the Building Setback Line (HBL).
The HBL was established by the Texas Attorney General and is on file with the City (see SPI Projects Map).
Any activity would include building, bulk heading, filling, clearing, excavation, or substantial improvement to land or size of any structure.
If you see a potential violation, please call code enforcement at 956-761-8123.
What is a dune? A dune is an emergent mound, hill, or ridge of sand, either bare or vegetated, that is located on land and borders the water. They naturally form by the windward transport of sediment but can also be created via man-made vegetated mounds (TAC Title 31, Part 1, Chapter 15, Subchapter A, Rule 15.2).
This permit is required for all construction activities east of the DPL, or any activity that impacts dunes and/or dune vegetation not already addressed by the permits mentioned below. A survey and mitigation plan must be submitted with application. Mitigation of all impacted sand and/or vegetation must be at a 1:1 ratio.
Please contact the Shoreline Department to discuss your proposed projects so we can determine the best permitting avenue.
This permit is required for all maintenance activities east of the DPL that can be issued without the necessary review of the General Land Office, Shoreline Task Force, and the City Council.
Maintenance (Maintenance Activities) is defined as activities involved with repairing and/or renovating existing structures and those that do not alter or increase the foot print of existing structures, increase the impervious surface on the property, impact the public's access to or use of the beach, or adversely impact dunes and/or dune vegetation.
Maintenance activities include, but are not limited to: repairing or replacing siding, steps, roofs, windows, doors, fences, sidewalks, and landscaping.
This permit is required for all retaining wall/walkway maintenance activities east of the DPL that can be issued without the necessary review of the General Land Office, Shoreline Task Force, and the City Council.
Retaining Wall/Walkway Maintenance is defined as any activities that result in the raking and/or moving of debris, litter, trash and non-vegetated sand that has accumulated in designated walkways or within ten (10) feet of an established retaining wall or fence.
These activities do not include excavation, trimming or disturbance of natural dune formations or vegetation east of the DPL or the removal of sand, either temporary or permanent, from the beach/dune system within the City.
Vehicles are not allowed on the beach, but this permit allows vehicle access to the beach in coordination with permitted construction and/or property maintenance activities, as well as equipment retrieval for beach related businesses.
After all that information, which permit do I need?
Conventions & Meetings (Sales)
Our experienced sales team focuses on booking meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and events into the South Padre Island Convention Centre, Island hotels and off-site venues. Attendees stay overnight, dine in restaurants, visit our beach and bayside attractions, and more.
Official Zoning Map
Evacuation
South Padre Island Mayor Robert Pinkerton Jr. will declare the Emergency Evacuation; all informationwill be available through the media and on this Website. The Emergency Management Team works closely with local, county, state and national officials before a decision is made.
Mandatory evacuations will be announced via media, this Website, or call 1-800-OKPADRE.
Mission Statement: To provide a safer, more enjoyable environment for our City's residents and tourists by reducing the threat of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
The Vector Control program for the City of South Padre Island protects the health and safety of the community by combating disease-carrying mosquitoes (vectors). In performing Mosquito Management, surveillance (identifying sites with mosquito larvae and collecting, identifying and testing mosquitoes) is essential for the planning, operation, and evaluation of an effective mosquito control program.
One of the primary functions of the Vector Control Program is educating the public about eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home, as well as enforcing City Ordinances against having properties with overgrown weeds and standing water.
Other mosquito control functions include treating locations where there is standing water with larvicide to prevent mosquito larva from developing into adult mosquitoes and reducing adult mosquito populations using environmentally friendly methods and current technology and equipment.
Financial Reports
Monthly Reports:
The Monthly Financial Report section includes various financial reports for online viewing. These reports are part of the transparency fiscal accountability program to open up governmental ledgers to the public.
The monthly reports for Fiscal Year 2014 to current year can also be obtained from the Transparency Portal. To navigate to this portal go to www.myspi.org and click the “Transparency” button on the left side of the page or click here.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports
The Finance Department coordinates preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The City's fiscal year begins October 1st and ends September 30th. The annual comprehensive financial reports are prepared by the Finance Department and audited by an independent firm of licensed Certified Public Accountants. The purpose of the ACFR is to give a detailed overview of the City of South Padre Island's financial status.
The City of South Padre Island has received the GFOA Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the last 6 years!
A new report for the City of South Padre Island! This is the third year the City of South Padre Island will submit this report to the Government Finance Officers Association for our most recent fiscal year ended September 30. This report is specifically designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public and other interested parties without a background in public finance. This report is prepared annually and is summarized with information extracted from our audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
The mission of the South Padre Island Fire Department's Emergency Medical Service is to reduce the amount of pain and suffering of the citizens and guests of our city by providing the highest level of quality pre-hospital emergency care possible.
We currently have 4 ALS Units which respond 24 hours a day to serve the City of SPI. The EMTs and Paramedics of the South Padre Island Fire Dept. are some of the most highly trained in the country. They maintain certification in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Many of our personnel are Hazardous Materials Technicians and Rescue Divers. We follow the American Heart Association guidelines for Cardiac Resuscitation and update our personnel training as new guidelines are published.
Medical Direction is provided by Dr. Richard Ybarra.
In 2019, we responded to 1,901 EMS calls for service. Patients are transported to one of the many hospitals on the mainland for continued care. Our average EMS response time to any location in the City of South Padre Island is less than four minutes.
Dispatch
SPI-PD Dispatch Division is responsible for providing assistance to the public and promptly relays the information obtained to the appropriate city division.
Receives, processes and documents all calls for service. Handles our in-house computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, which also intertwines with Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Works with other agencies and jurisdictions. Maintain rotation/request wrecker log, private vehicle tows and vehicle repossession log.
Sets priorities via independent determination of appropriate actions to be taken concerning incoming calls and directs the appropriate responding units to ensure efficient and timely responses on each call.
Dispatch monitors multiple radios, audio, and visual equipment.
SPI-PD dispatches for:
Police
Fire / Beach Patrol
Medical / EMS
Code Enforcement
The Wave Transit System
Special Events
Board of Ethics
The South Padre Island Board of Ethics was created as a requirement of the Home Rule Charter. The Board of Ethics will have the responsibility to create a Code of Ethics, administer and enforce the Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure State Laws. The board will be authorized to issue opinions and conduct investigations freely or when requested.
On June 15, 2011, the City Council approved the Code of Ethics along with its Handbook and Rules & Procedures document. To view any of the approved documents click on the links below:
The Shoreline Task Force meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday and is open to the public. If there are any questions, concerns, or you are just interested, please feel free to join us!
are transferred to the Cameron County jail.
SPI-PD Dispatch Division is responsible for providing assistance to the public and promptly relays the information obtained to the appropriate city division.