SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — In prior years, many college students made their way to the Island to enjoy their vacation by the beach.
However, as the pandemic carries on into 2021, it makes the once-predictable holiday become uncertain with how it will play out.
On Tuesday, South Padre Island officials announced that they expect this Spring Break will look different.
According to a city press release, many beach destinations will not have collegiate parties or large gatherings on the beach as in the past.
“Road trips remain a popular vacation option for traveling Texas families this Spring, however, many colleges have shortened their formal Spring Break weeks, so the island will look different this March,” the press release states.
SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Ed Caum stated that the city has taken steps to prevent beach permits, so there will not be stages and big name music artists this year.
“I believe we will have a strong visitation in March from families who are on their regular break during the K-12 school year,” SPI Mayor Patrick McNulty stated.
McNulty said city officials don’t think they will see Spring Breaks like in the past.
“This will give the island the opportunity to showcase itself as a family vacation destination,” he stated. “We have a lot of outdoor activities to offer during this time to make us the perfect destination for a family vacation.”
According to McNulty, the city is following all local, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines concerning personal safety and occupancy limits in businesses.
“The city is going to emphasize the use of masks and appropriate social distancing to all island visitors,” he stated. “We will continue to make sure that we have adequate police and fire service personnel to ensure the safety of island visitors at all times.”
