City of South Padre IslandOctober 4-10, 2011
For more information or if you have any comments or questions please contact Info@MySPI.org.
At a Glance
EMS Services
Starting October 1, 2011 the City of South Padre Island is the primary provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on South Padre Island.
In order to provide such service, the City of South Padre Island acquired its first ambulance that is up and ready to provide Emergency Medical Services to all residents and visitors. The ambulance went through an extensive certification process and received it certification on Friday, September 23rd by the Texas Department of State Health Services. A second ambulance will be purchased this month.
"We are excited to be able to provide this service upgrade. We will be doubling the amount of ambulances available on the Island while maintaining the high level of Emergency Medical Service that our citizens and visitors expect and demand. This is a program that could literally save a life!" said Fire Chief, Burney Baskett.
In celebration, the South Padre Island Fire Department held a Dedication and Recognition Ceremony on Friday, September 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Fire Station located at 4501 Padre Blvd. The first EMS crew that started EMS operations in 1974 was present at the ceremony.
Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighter/Paremedics
The City of South Padre Island welcomed six new firefighter paramedics last week in preparation for taking over Emergency Medical Services. The addition in personnel will add two members to each shift which will staff the City's new ambulance.
Over 100 applicants demonstrated interest for the 6 positions and after an extensive hiring process a final selection was made. Applicants had to pass a physical agility test, a written exam and an interview.
"The group we hired showed that they have the mental and physical skills needed to do the job," said Fire Chief, Burney Baskett.
The six newest members of the South Padre Island Fire Department are Michael Applegate, Justin Oakerson, Oscar Garcia Jr., Ricky Mahan, David Anzaldua, and Isaac Saenz Jr.
All six new members have experience in both firefighting and EMS.
"We are very satisfied with the experience and knowledge of the new personnel. We are very happy to welcome them onto our team," said Burney Baskett.
AEP to Replace Electric Meters
The American Electric Power Company (AEP) will be replacing some existing electric meters on South Padre Island with "smart meters" within the next month. These meters relay a constant signal to AEP to report outages in real time. This will allow AEP to know when they have an outage so the customers won't have to call. It will also simplify their meter reading process. AEP will be placing door hangers on those residences where the meter replacements will take place and will further notify residence owners by phone. For more information please visit their website by clicking here.
Media Efforts With Mexico
Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton, City Manager Joni Clarke, International Tourism Coordinator Lili DeRousie and Executive Director for the Convention and Visitors Bureau Dan Quandt, attended a breakfast gathering with Mexico media representatives at Los Corales. These individuals were brought in by AeroMexico to assist in promoting our area to our southern neighbors. Other partners in this project include the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets and the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Think Pink, Wear Pink, Support Pink
South Padre Island firefighters and City staff will be wearing pink again this year in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Due to the huge demand last year, firefighters will have their pink shirts for sale for $15.00 each with $1.00 going towards the "Walk for Women". Contact Yolanda Cruz at (956) 761-3040 to buy your shirt today.
Bulletin Board
Recycling
Recyclable items can be taken to Island Baptist Church every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Items that can be recycled are:
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Office Paper
- Aluminum
- Tin
- Plastic
To offer a better recycling service please:
- Compact, crush or break down plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans or any other items that may be reduced in size. This helps us use the most amount of space in the bins.
- Remove any food, liquid, metal fasteners, adhesive materials or other items that may contaminate the whole load.
Volunteers Needed
The City of South Padre Island is accepting applications from qualified volunteers to fill terms on the following City Committees,Commission or Boards:
- BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS (1)
- BOARD OF ETHICS (3)
- CONVENTION AND VISITORS ADVISORY BOARD (3) (1 limited Service Hotel; 1 Condominium Industry; 1 Tourism Related Industry)
- DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS REVIEW TASK FORCE (3)
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (2)
- HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (7)
- KEEP SPI BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE (5)
- PARKS, RECREATIONS & BEAUTIFICATION (3)
- PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (3)
- SHORELINE TASK FORCE (2)
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please submit a completed and signed application to Susan Hill, City Secretary at 4601 Padre Boulevard; by e-mail at shill@myspi.org; or fax at 761-3888 as soon as possible. Appointments will be made at the September 21, 2011 City Council meeting.
Toastmasters Wanted
The Islanders Toastmasters International Club is now open to the public and invites all to participate and develop valuable communication and leadership skills. "The Islanders" meet every Thursday at 12:00pm at the City Hall Board Room. For more information call Vice President of Membership, Cynthia Jezek at (956) 761-1358 or by e-mail at Cynthia@JezekLaw.com. Come and check out the Toastmasters' experience.
Emergency Information
The hurricane season has started and Emergency Information is vital. There are 4 different ways on how to stay informed during a storm. You can be informed by TEXT, just simply text WEATHER to 80565. By NEWSLETTER, just subscribe by going to the "STAY INFORMED" tab at www.MySPI.org, or by sending an email to dan@sopadre.com with the subject "Subscribe". On FACEBOOK, just simply go to www.facebook.com/SouthPadreIslandEmergency. And by PHONE, just call 1-800-OKPADRE (757-2373).
Mosquito Spraying
If weather permits the Environmental Health Services department will be spraying for mosquitoes every night as needed. For more information contact Environmental Health Services Director, Victor Baldovinos at (956) 761-3226.
Pet of the Week
Lost Dog
This cute little guy was found wandering the streets of South Padre Island near the East Husiache Street on Friday afternoon. Please if you know his humans ask them to go pick him up at the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter in Port Isabel. The address is 262 Woody Lane.
Current Rumors
If you would like to report a rumor or misinformation being spread in the community please vist the City's Rumor Watch service.
Ideas in Discussion
The City uses an idea sharing service that is provided free by IdeaScale. The service is community driven and intended to derive ideas that benefit the entire community with possible solutions or steps to accomplish them. You can view and submit ideas by visiting MySPI.IdeaScale.com.
Calendar of Events
Date
| Event
| Location
| Time
| October 5
| City Council Workshop
| City Hall Board Room
| 2:00 PM
| October 5
| City Council Regular Meeting
| City Hall Board Room
| 5:30 PM
| October 6
| Islanders Toastmasters Club Meeting
| City Hall Meeting Room
| 12:00 PM
| October 9
| Farmers Market
| The Shores
| 11:00 AM
|
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