I am pleased to announce that the Sandcastle Run is set this year for Saturday June 2nd. If you are interested in volunteering or being a sponsor for this great event please contact my office at 361-888-0268. Every dollar raised stays right here in the Coastal Bend and helps children with Diabetes go to summer camp. The run is a great deal of fun and every single dollar you donate through your entry fees or sponsor dollar goes directly to help those kids. All expenses of the event are covered and your money goes directly to help. Please call now for more information.
LAND SALE WITH PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI COMPLETE
The recent land sale I have written about has been completed. 6.8 million dollars has been placed in the County’s coffers. Now what you might ask? We will be very good stewards of this money. My intent will be to use it for future project needs that might help me do what I can to prepare for what looks like a tough 2018/2019 budget due to huge valuation drops in Port A due to Hurricane Harvey. I also hope to be able to find ways to use this money if possible to be able to not raise taxes. This is a one -time shot in the arm and we need to proceed wisely.
IB MAGEE PROCEEDING
There is a belief that we may have gotten enough insurance money to not only proceed with the new enhancements at IB Magee in Port Aransas but also to fix the existing building WITHOUT waiting for FEMA. That is a huge step in the right direction. The FEMA process is long and arduous so avoiding that would help us get moving even faster. The Pier in Port A is another subject that will take a while because of the FEMA reimbursement process. I will keep you posted.
MONEY PRESENTED TO PADRE ISLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
It was a great pleasure to be able along with Commissioner Mike Pusley to present a combined $4500 to the Padre Island Business Association at their last meeting. This money was presented to aid PIBA in their economic development activities in general and to support the upcoming Barefoot Mardi Gras, another great economic driver for Nueces County. We are very fortunate to have PIBA doing such great economic development work in Nueces County. I am pleased to continue to support their efforts.
HARVEY RELIEF EFFORTS SHOWING
Each time I drive into Port Aransas I am amazed at the progress they are making. Mt. Trashmore or Debris Mountain as I call it is all but gone. The ability they had to get rid of that debris in that amount of time is simply amazing. I am not sure people really know the tons and tons of debris that Harvey caused. Port Aransas continues to stand strong and make great progress.
FLOUR BLUFF CITIZENS COUNCIL HOST TOWN HALL MEETING
I was pleased to be a panelist for the Town Hall meeting in Flour Bluff hosted by the Flour Bluff Citizens Council. It was very well attended. The issues discussed were compelling and I think overall was a big success. Anytime you have elected officials and staff to answer questions and get information out, it is a really good thing.
ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAMS AT LONDON ISD
As you know I also represent the London ISD area. They are a great and proactive school district. They are constantly attacking the bullying issue before it becomes an issue. I am pleased to be sponsoring an anti-bullying program at London elementary in February. If your school district is interested in this program please let me know. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I appreciate it.