[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6600254,"mediaKeyId","3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7","parentId",3220884,"title","EDC executive director reports lower tax revenues and updates on birding center, art incubator and events","audioSeconds",153,"startMs",1473000,"endMs",1626000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7&start=1473&end=1626","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7/thumbnail_1473000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6600254/Texas/EDC-executive-director-reports-lower-tax-revenues-and-updates-on-birding-center-art-incubator-and-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600254-a1d5dc9d495df2addf33fcd4aad40012/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941974&Signature=CJqOcqM0Y45W7u5sNoef7up5PrGIRcbYXfMkQ6UUe46B9TQk1htcCxKpOqFv5kuwy0ivUShBcvbKIH8KpXjnl-YS-I6HdzKxUJx8h~Lwrpt7IH~-XHZ1ToaipsBA7ZxoS2EclNfvJzdytckGAek4AFbT8iVYIGj2QHywcOrBX-doqUDzL0iX54Hgk~11uJqQXgVUctrQNukQq8cxINhR~kw8AmNr0RFyQzzHGItLiwMa1NPvRIFmnRtTUxs-6J9f1QMhbCl59f9jg4cnHke3X3enSoiOkmkxqpkHjrx3YeuntnNMZw7tips8K~vRRRgnW8n7NFRFvBqRDr6PiCf4pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Padre Island","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","Darla, the executive director, presented the EDC activity report, telling the board that several economic indicators were down for February compared with 2024 and outlining recent and upcoming projects at the Birding and Nature Center and the EDC’s art incubator.

Darla reported sales tax receipts were down 10.43% for February compared with February 2024, and occupancy tax receipts were down 12.54% for February 2025 compared with 2024. She said property tax collections for February totaled $742,578 and that building permits for March totaled $2,898,574; the permit total included two single-family homes on West Wesash and a fourplex on East Corlea.

On programming, Darla summarized recent activity at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. The center received an H-E-B grant to underwrite fifth-grade wetlands ecology field trips; the grant covers bus costs and field-trip materials for elementary students. The center is also planning a fundraiser on April 25 and a celebration for “Big Padre’s” birthday on May 10. Darla said staff recently helped with the rescue of an alligator that had been injured.

Darla updated the board on the art business incubator, which has onboarded two painters and is seeking two or three additional artists. The incubator will host a fundraising event called “Aura” on April 26; Darla said event tickets were $100 and the event will pair artists with restaurants and include live demonstrations.

Darla also reviewed sponsorships the EDC planned to support, including Shallowes Fort and TIFT, and noted staff would consider sponsorship of local fishing tournaments such as LKT at the board’s direction. She reminded the board the midyear budget report (compiled by city staff) is available and that the EDC needs to finalize its budget calendar; she said she will seek a budget presentation date to city council that fits the EDC’s schedule.

Board members asked clarifying questions and Darla said staff would return with budget materials and any follow-up items at the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","South Padre Island - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - Apr 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Executive Director Darla reported February sales and occupancy tax declines, highlighted Birding and Nature Center programs funded by H-E-B and upcoming events, and reviewed art incubator activity and sponsorship plans; staff will prepare budget materials for the next meeting.","taxTitle","South Padre , Cameron County, Texas","taxId",57359,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6600259,"EDC discusses draft 'quality of life' grant guidelines, tables action to budget meeting",391,1071000,1462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7&start=1071&end=1462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7/thumbnail_1071000.jpg","/articles/6600259/Texas/EDC-discusses-draft-quality-of-life-grant-guidelines-tables-action-to-budget-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600259-557f0b8d9a91d57ad55aa2087a820304/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941974&Signature=lErBr-hi6nsgzYC35PiUXoHu34bsKHB8TWEJZJPsuzHLt-8PXjxCCTbF-X3v1sYPMxFrSnr6DqOYZ7na8unZE897NKmnrd2FOi5PZ5kMSuj3Fq3uPfhKz9BasVwi5sL5dDhlzVWgnul1GKOPurjuMd3Y1bsYCHSaS1v7B74BqdquJqG1nNIdXQzA-le8v1RrJvi7IndFqO4AM3RSznWLRK9Ly-klZ7oYV~GK7WItx5aRjCkGer6ljYsMxRiUM3LoPZgEgG3ZNNjsAJxSWDBTDKZ~vrZTCV87o9WYFuLjRRlnhwkppXQdyGhmBANuYe-jlzXtMxABmfceU~EpC5dTMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Darla, the EDC’s executive director, briefed the board on a draft quality-of-life grant program she adapted from the Brownsville Economic Development Corporation’s program. Board members discussed the draft and agreed to table formal action until the budget process, giving staff and volunteer board members time to refine guidelines and identify funding levels.

Darla said she had copied and edited Brownsville’s program, reducing the draft to seven pages and removing items that did not pertain to the local EDC. She told the board Brownsville funded roughly $5 million in one round of projects and that the EDC would need to determine an appropriate local budget for any similar program.

Board members flagged competing budget needs — in particular the deep-water marina project and anticipated additional marina expenses — and recommended discussing the new grant program as part of next month’s budget workshop or meeting. One board member suggested the EDC could reallocate rounds of Sand Dollar grants to fund a pilot quality-of-life program, but no funding amount was finalized. The board voted to table the item so staff could return with a revised draft during budget discussions.

The item was tabled by voice vote with a second and will be revisited after staff and board members tweak the draft language and consider funding options during the EDC’s budget process.","Staff presented a draft quality-of-life grant program modeled on Brownsville's program; the board asked for further revisions and tabled action until the upcoming budget discussions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6600263,"EDC authorizes up to $20,000 to repair birding center entrance pond",286,725000,1011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7&start=725&end=1011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7/thumbnail_725000.jpg","/articles/6600263/Texas/EDC-authorizes-up-to-20000-to-repair-birding-center-entrance-pond","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600263-5c8df3aac39c321fbe766864c1000831/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941974&Signature=OrB-tS6cfXJQXR21IOrkW~PAozTFf9ONzaCwMvn4oeUgcZOZ0omw~-GgYdOj7z4kKy11IkeZqNzNPC6sr0yWWxDZ9LDua52C21iDPRtwZXejBmscZWq9mjBPKd8CJ~T7JbhP7k-GrRxfZwXBy9yz6416B1Ib-dvnzzL5JnX2~LOiEcMglUWY~UO4UXaQPu6H74IgiPAzURzFyGcHuSPfWkoxVGdMnswpbMiJ9g6v3rN53xTN2YDv1vD95H47DyYbfxhwwMDp3txOEAYEPMGjM~UcepKrbhNTyHISKQ78UMOeaLKoxvdVRhkEL4cQ6kPvCzZPj6gnSRkDXJKTfbWRhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members authorized up to $20,000 to repair and replace the liner and filtration equipment for the entrance waterfall pond at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center after discussing widely varying contractor bids.

The funding authorization was approved by voice vote with Gail recorded as seconding the motion. The motion directs staff to reimburse the birding center for the liner, filtering system and labor, up to a $20,000 cap; if additional funds are needed, contractors must return to the board.

Discussion at the meeting focused on bid variation. One board member said a single liner-only quote obtained by Richard Franke was $5,390, while Shamrock Builders’ bid for a broader repair was about $31,000. Board members reported receiving a more recent quote from Bryant Industrial (also referenced as Bridal Industrial in the transcript) for labor alone at roughly $9,200, yielding a likely total near $15,000 if liner and equipment were included. That lower estimate prompted board members to propose authorizing a capped amount that would allow the work to begin before peak tourist season.

Board members emphasized the need to order the liner promptly because delivery could take several weeks. The motion instructs staff to reimburse based on actual bills and requires contractors to return for further approval if costs would exceed the cap.

Shamrock Builders was acknowledged for preparing a bid; board members thanked the firm for its work even though its proposal was higher than later estimates from Bryant Industrial.","The board approved up to $20,000 to repair the entrance waterfall pond at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center after reviewing divergent contractor bids; staff will reimburse the center for actual costs up to the cap.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6600268,"EDC approves facade grant for Nautico Island Grill",162,515000,677000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7&start=515&end=677","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7/thumbnail_515000.jpg","/articles/6600268/Texas/EDC-approves-facade-grant-for-Nautico-Island-Grill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600268-2489ca2317ad3df4dd6fcdbf2d3af840/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941974&Signature=lmiQGBjFHLzxbC716CQx5VXc5oNPmidu~WnRous9y1sbZYrAwyqEMGBmpOcKHCuEYJHqHXjy6HQwXbhrPJLnNlmwDjbdViWeQi23iMvFdEEgkRv0QonglSW8UhzQNE86AFwXBQKrgOC978ivrwUft9aJVnoxU9xmZLu4kvWyQ3S9UmMl-VYTEAWHvEQJsDYIfVHODdisDMNFQUeX5w1f3xTqajJ3Bbw2XjHiWrQmc4p9cZzl24DB3e0TN9STybULsiy6utj8Z9ivRCnk0crZxpv-1kFtUEn77ZQHv1YvnB3Kv7MSzDHFn0SMCAVZ1oUi99SvpbNqGXKFPB5QOMcb8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation approved a facade improvement grant for Nautico Island Grill to repair fencing and replace a drive-through window, after the restaurant’s representatives presented a contractor estimate.

Jenna Galane and a co-applicant identified as Brianna told the board the work would remove aluminum pilings and replace materials around the back fence, redo the roof and replace the drive-through window. They presented a contractor proposal showing a total project cost of $12,362.33 and said their required match would be half the total.

“We're requesting $6,181,” Galane told the board, referencing the restaurant’s share to be covered by the facade grant program. Board members discussed the application briefly and moved to approve the grant by voice vote.

Board members said the requested improvements would fix visible deterioration and enhance the business’s appearance. One board member noted the project had previously been considered under a Sand Dollar grant program before being shifted to the facade program because the work better fit facade criteria.

The motion to approve carried on a voice vote. The meeting record does not show contingency language or a detailed disbursement schedule; staff follow-up will be required to complete grant paperwork and confirm final invoicing and reimbursements.","The board approved a facade grant for Nautico Island Grill to replace back fencing, redo the drive-through window and roof work; the business will contribute roughly half and requested about $6,181 from the grant program.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6600273,"South Padre Island EDC approves facade grant for ISLA Tours",329,171000,500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7&start=171&end=500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220884-f42848f0d5047c78af6d799c29e18dc7/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6600273/Texas/South-Padre-Island-EDC-approves-facade-grant-for-ISLA-Tours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600273-9cb651a040f68ae47242389dc43f1f81/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941974&Signature=fh8awqcLvfJu0XCiFXxLTKY6HpHPPQ82mqoD5PM7rmIuqR6PXPn8LnpDVeK3jqCHrJxMQZ61a2tApKYVn4MSqTQRTX-9JBJgtJvHn0JE54fN8AxXj1SaEnQcRCKRMnckS49ekUxJoirloi2zQ-XI05WeU6V3IYDXenjtsfJxMyqKzkEwSgzIbAbmXKStZZkQf1sDFORB2HzHpU4fEaleP21gPBAc8hgwm8tObRJkPY0y0beVKqjeKOQ763raowInUllScB30IUiA~QrFqWiagJ67gU4v2LuaHeICAg7SQVplkaI5lZOuAUyUNR4igUfLne5WG8LCkxxChXgKkHiExg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a regular meeting of the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation, board members voted to approve a facade improvement grant application from ISLA Tours to update its ticket booth and adjacent area at Sea Ranch Marina.

The grant, which board members approved by voice vote, will support cosmetic and accessibility improvements ISLA Tours says will make its ticket booth more visible and welcoming to visitors. Lisa Grace, who identified herself as representing ISLA Tours, described the proposal as a rebranding and beautification effort aimed at aligning the booth with “the tropical family friendly charm that is South Padre Island.”

The application covers new island-inspired paint and signage, upgraded lighting for evening visibility, tropical foliage and resurfacing of existing pavement with stamped asphalt. Grace told the board the changes are intended to boost first impressions for visitors and benefit the island’s tourism economy as a whole.

Board discussion was brief and the motion to approve passed on a voice vote; no dollar amount for the grant was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The Sea Ranch Marina and Captain Murphy’s area were referenced as nearby amenities; Grace also noted she previously received support through a Sand Dollar grant for other improvements in the Captain Murphy’s area.

ISLA Tours’ project is scheduled to move forward subject to whatever permit or implementation steps the EDC and city require.","The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation approved a facade improvement grant for ISLA Tours to upgrade its ticket booth and surrounding area at Sea Ranch Marina; grant amount was not specified in the meeting record.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EDC executive director reports lower tax revenues and updates on birding center, art incubator and events

EDC discusses draft 'quality of life' grant guidelines, tables action to budget meeting

EDC authorizes up to $20,000 to repair birding center entrance pond

EDC approves facade grant for Nautico Island Grill

South Padre Island EDC approves facade grant for ISLA Tours