Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s lifting of restrictions related to COVID-19, South Padre Island tourism officials say they will follow through with plans for limits on Spring Break.
Theresa Rodriguez, senior marketing and communications manager for the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Thursday the Island would continue to follow guidelines put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We’re still going to be following the CDC guidelines,” she said. “I know the hotels are ready and prepared, our restaurants and all of our attractions, and we’re going to continue trying to keep the social-distancing and asking people to wear the masks.”
Island officials announced earlier this week, before Abbott issued his declaration lifting pandemic-related restrictions as of next Wednesday, that they will pursue a modified Spring Break this year, which they call Family Spring Break.
Given the disruptions to collegiate classes and school vacation schedules, officials say they expect the number of students who do participate in Spring Break this year to be limited, at least compared to usual.
But at least one bar owner is gearing up for a traditional Spring Break.
“Clayton’s is going full-throttle in 2021,” Clayton Brashears, owner of Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, said in a text.
The city announced this week that no beach permits for vendors or concerts will be issued, and it was unclear Thursday whether that part of the new Family Spring Break plan would be retained.
We’re “doing it on the deck,” Brashears added.
In a statement, South Padre Island Mayor Patrick McNulty said this year’s focus would be on families, not collegians.
“I believe we will have a strong visitation in March from families who are on their regular break during the K-12 school year,” McNulty was quoted in a news release by the city. “The City is going to emphasize the use of masks and appropriate social distancing to all island visitors. 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.”
“I don’t think we will see the Spring Breaks of the past,” McNulty added. “This will give the island the opportunity to showcase itself as a family vacation destination.”
McNulty did not respond to an email for clarification on the Island’s plans in the wake of Abbott’s declaration.
