PORT ISABEL — This coastal city will host events in honor of first responders and in remembrance of those who were affected by the Queen Isabella Causeway collapse.
From firefighters and police officers to EMS workers, these personnel are among the first to arrive at a scene and put their lives at risk to provide assistance to those in need.
In honor of them, the City of Port Isabel will host a mini-concert by Leslie Blasing on Facebook Live today starting at 8:46 a.m.
The event will be held on the front porch of the Keeper’s Cottage near the lighthouse.
Blasing’s concert will feature patriotic songs. According to city officials, they look forward to joining with Blasing to honor first responders in the Laguna Madre area.
Blasing added that this event is a way for the public to show their support to those who we are connected to across the United States and in our area.
In addition to a performance by Blasing, the event will include — opening comments, an invocation and a call for a moment of silence that will be offered by Port Isabel Commissioner Carmen Rios.
City of Port Isabel and Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce personnel encourage the community to express their appreciation to all first responders for their hard work and faithful sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of homes and livelihoods.
To view the event, visit www.facebook.com/portisabeltx. It will also be posted to the city’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/c/portisabeltexas.
Memorial
The City of Port Isabel is inviting the public to join together at the base of the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge on Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. in remembrance of those affected by the Queen Isabella Causeway collapse that occurred 19 years ago.
The tragic event killed eight people — Barry and Chelsea Welch, Bob Harris and Hector Martinez, Jr., all of Port Isabel; Julio Mireles of Los Fresnos; Robin Leavell of Mercedes; Stvan Francisco Rivas of Humble, and Gaspar Hinojosa of Kingsville.
Three people survived the incident — Rene Mata of Port Isabel; Bridgett Goza and Gustavo Morales of Brownsville.
The cities of Port Isabel and South Padre Island take turns hosting the anniversary memorial every year to honor both the victims and the survivors of the Queen Isabella Causeway collapse.
In remembrance of those affected, the Queen Isabella Causeway was renamed the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge in 2003.
City personnel say they will never forget the lives that were lost, the heroes that saved lives and brought comfort and neighbors that became friends.
For more information, email info.portisabel-texas.com or call (956) 943-2682.
