South Padre Island council sends proposed Ecotourism District around convention center to planning and zoning

South Padre Island commissioners voted to send a proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission that would study whether to designate the area west of Padre Boulevard — roughly from the north side of the convention center to Sea Turtle Inc. — as the SPI Ecotourism District.

The request, presented by Carrie (first name only recorded), called on planning staff and P&Z to review a concept that would highlight birding, sea-turtle rehabilitation and other coastal attractions and explore facility changes such as an expanded exhibit hall, a small theater for ecology and nature films, interpretive exhibits and improved pedestrian connections. Carrie told the council, "The idea behind this is I think the island should embrace our natural habitats, our the animals, birds."

Proponents said the designation could attract visitors year-round and create programming partnerships. Daryl Mangum, who identified himself as a longtime resident and local advocate for nature tourism, said, "This was my dream 30 years ago, and I fully support Carrie's efforts to dedicate an area towards nature tourism." Mangum urged the council to include current stakeholders — Sea Turtle Inc., the birding center and the convention center — and to consider adding adjacent areas such as Bridal Flats.

Carrie outlined several elements she wants planning to study: a theater for documentary and lecture programming, expanded exhibit space to host larger groups, interpretive displays about local wildlife and habitat, and new boardwalk viewing stations that would connect with the Birding and Nature Center without replacing that center's facilities. She repeatedly said the proposal would not require removing trees around the convention center.

Council members asked that the city coordinate with Cameron County where jurisdiction overlaps. A motion to forward the concept to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation passed by voice vote; no city funding or construction decision was adopted at the meeting.

The next formal step is a Planning and Zoning review; P&Z will return any recommendation to the City Council for subsequent action.