By Arabella Serrata
The SPI Economic Development Corporation [EDC] held a meeting on Sept. 17.
The Tacos y Tequila festival was applauded for its turnout of five thousand people. Items on the consent agenda were approved. This included minutes from previous meetings, financial reports and a vacated seat by board member Tamera McLaughton. Absences for members Lynne Tate, Rees Langston and Tom Bainter from the board meeting were approved.
The Deepwater Marina Project received an update. It was reported that the board was waiting for the month to be over and to hear back from Cameron County Commissioners to state their support, or lack thereof, for the project.
The board will investigate a second location if the commissioners do not support the project.
The EDC announced the latest round of Sand Dollars for Success Grant recipients. Five out of six applicants were approved. Art Lounge, SPI Wine Bar, Upper Deck and Pet Pantry were granted ten thousand dollars. Los Pesacdores was approved for five thousand dollars. The next Sand Dollars For Success Grant application window is said to open in November and will be awarded in January.
The Executive Director Darla Lapeyre’s activity report was discussed. The sales tax revenue was down 11.5% for July, down 6.55% year to date. Unfortunate weather and marine events were cited as reasons for the decrease.
Occupancy Tax Revenue for July was down 17%. Property taxes collected were $32,248. Billing permits in August were over $17 million. The permits consisted of the Los Corrales Bay tower, the SPI Historical Museum, a new inn, a new building and a home.
Sponsors and silent auction items were discussed for the Birds and Butterflies Garden Party at the SPI Birding Center. It was said that the wetlands habitat needed to be redone, and the board is beginning to address the issue.
Conversations included how the renovation would be paid for, grants, and other funds were explored, but a definitive statement was not made.
Fundraisers for the Art Business Incubator [ABI] were discussed; one is said to be themed around the five senses, and another is built around teamwork. Talk art festivals were also touched on. It was announced that long-time business owners around SPI were slated to attend the business courses at the ABI.
The next meeting was slated for Oct. 15. The meeting was adjourned.
The South Padre Island [SPI] Special Events Committee also met on Sept. 17.
The committee approved minutes from the Aug. 27 meeting.
The committee expressed appreciation for Chief Jim Pigg hosting the United States Lifesaving Association Competition [USLA]. It was clarified that the event’s operations cost about $65,000 and up to $25,000 for the licensing fee.
The post-event reports were tabled due to the operation budget not being provided.
The Texas International Fishing Tournament [TIFT] reports were approved.
The Pickleball on Padre Tournament requested ten thousand dollars for marketing. The goal of the event is to make the sport available for about eight days. The board pushed for more explanation on how the event would market itself to the public. The board emphasized excitement for the event but had many questions about the tournament’s technical, financial and demographic aspects. The request was approved.
The next meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 15. The meeting was adjourned.