South Padre Island Rallies After Hurricane Dolly  There’s no question that Hurricane Dolly left its mark on South Padre Island when it hit the area in late July, but the local response that it triggered has been instrumental in bringing the Island back to life.
Since the storm, the townships of South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Laguna Vista have come together to address emergency issues and work together as a team to protect the area going forward.
Though the response has been incredible, the storm has had a definite impact on the Island rental market in the past month, with many of the Island’s popular condominium buildings being closed for repairs.
This has been difficult for South Padre and its local businesses given that the summer months are typically the peak time for visitors.
Some condo buildings, including the Radisson, Sheraton, Ocean Vista, Sea Vista (I & II), Sunchase, and more have been shut down entirely for several months as repairs take place.
They are expected to open between mid-October and December after all of the necessary work has been finished. Others, such as several of the Saida buildings and Suntide II are currently open and renting units that were not damaged in the storm.
In addition to the closed condominium buildings, many Island restaurants were also affected by the hurricane.
While favorites such as Scampi’s and Sea Ranch are unfortunately closed for renovations, many others have recovered and are ready to greet visitors when they arrive. Padre Island Brewing Company, Daddy’s Seafood, D’Pizza Joint, Blackbeard’s, Louie’s and Amberjack’s are among those accepting patrons.
Though Hurricane Dolly left quite a path of destruction, the Island’s quick response has been nothing short of amazing.
Many of the closed buildings and restaurants are making the best of the situation, using this time to give their properties cosmetic updates and making repairs that promise to draw more visitors in the future.
For those of you wanting to visit the island and enjoy the sun, sand and water here is a list of some of the condominiums that are accepting visitors:
- Aquarius
- Boardwalk
- Dancer Properties
- Gulfview II
- Parkshore
- Saida - Repairs are being done in some of the buildings, but some condominiums are available.
 South Padre Island is a Coastal Living Magazine Top 10 Sand-Castle Contest Winner Again
Traveling pros known as “Masters of Sand” create museum-worthy sculptures during Sand Castle Days. On the same stretch of soft, white sand, hundreds of amateurs—some serious, some decidedly not—give free rein to their own creativity.
Amateur and professional sand sculptors from all over the world descend on South Padre Island every year to create beautiful works of art using natural elements of the beach. The not-for-profit event showcases the artwork and an appreciation for the coastal environment, and donates to organizations helping to preserve it.
Masters of Sand will compete 3 days on the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico for 'Peoples Choice' paying $2750 in cash prizes. This South Padre Island family festival has become one of the biggest and best international sand sculpture competitions in the United States!
Come to Texas’ Best Beach & play in the sand!
Free sand-castle lessons on October 13–20
The Sand Castle Days are October 18–21
Call 956-761-3000 or visit sandcastledays.com |