Save Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island TX

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isla blanca park


	Welcome to save isla blanca
	Visiting this site is your first step to making a positive difference. If your hope is to help protect some of our communities most valuable resources, our county parks, you have come to the right place. This site is your site where you can make your voice heard and do your part to ensure that we, our children, and generations to follow will have these parks to enjoy. Isla Blanca Park is located at the southern-most tip of South Padre Island where the Gulf of Mexico joins the Lower Laguna Madre. The union of these two bodies of water has created a unique ecosystem rich in life and diversity where multitudes of marine species such as sea turtles, migratory and non-migratory fish and invertebrates ,to name a few, have made their home. Isla Blanca exemplifies the beach experience where on any given day you will find families spending a day together, surfers and kite boarders plying their craft, fishermen trying their luck or someone just enjoying the fresh ocean breeze taking a walk out on the north jetty. Private developers working with our elected county commissioners have devised a plan that they claim will enhance the atmosphere of Isla Blanca Park and generate more revenue. The Master Plan calls for a marina, an aquarium, shopping centers, condominium/hotels and, they hope some day, casinos. Currently Isla Blanca is open to the general public for a daily fee or with an annual pass and allows camp/RV sites, convenient beach access, restroom and shower facilities, picnic and grill areas and excellent fishing access.

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	overview
	The concern of many county residents is that they will no longer have access to many of the current conveniences because of the planned development. While those speaking on behalf of the development claim that this will not happen it is clear to anyone who sees the Master Plan that not only will beach access become restricted and inconvenient but many of the facilities will no longer be available and the activities that everyone enjoys no longer possible. The proposed development carries an air of exclusivity that seems to be intent on discouraging park use by those who may not otherwise be able to enjoy private island amenities. It is unclear who is to benefit from the additional revenue the development is supposed to bring or how this will benefit the county citizens more. One thing is certain though, the park was built for and by the residents of Cameron County with our tax dollars along with the admission fees we pay. It is likely then that the best interest of the residents of Cameron County is that the park remain as it was originally intended, a place where people can go to enjoy the ocean and beach, a place that is clean, safe and convenient for EVERYONE.

Our Mission

We believe that the county parks belong to the residents of Cameron County. Our objective is to ensure that Isla Blanca remains un-developed, ecologically sound and accessible to everyone. It is the responsibility of our elected officials to ensure that the parks which have been paid for by their constituents hard earned money is preserved and protected and not jeopardized to serve the interests of a few private, big money, interest groups. Many people in Cameron County are unaware that they are at risk of losing Isla Blanca park to private development. Many of those who are aware of the situation find themselves frustrated because they aren't sure how they can help save Isla Blanca Park. By following the TAKE ACTION link above you can send an email to your county commissioner. By joining together we can form one voice and send a clear message to the commissioners and all those responsible that selling out Isla Blanca Park is not acceptable.

Announcements

Leases for long-term private developments on Andy Bowie Park

There are currently two leases for long-term private developments on Andy Bowie Park land. Both of these leases were approved by the Cameron County Commissioners Court and signed by Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos within the last three years. This was a surprising and disappointing fact to discover. There is also a possibility that these leases of Andy Bowie Park land are also being litigated as was the lease for long-term private development of Isla Blanca Park land. As soon as I have confirmation on the litigation possibilty, I will keep you posted. The only way that elected officials will learn to listen to constituents is via our use of the voting booth! Please ask any candidates for Cameron County Commissioners Court what their position is on the issue of leasing our public park land for long-term private development. M.H. Flores 11/19/09

Our County government can still do the right thing 10/19/09

Today's County Commissioners can rescind the lease of Isla Blanca park land to the Laguna Madre Enhancement Group. They can take our land back and face the consequences of the mistake made by the previous elected body. Please contact your County Commissioner and let him or her know what you think. For a free postcard to send to your County representative, you may call (956) 371-9177 or visit your nearest public library.

Lease still under consideration 9/17/09

The lease of Isla Blanca Park land to the Laguna Madre Enhancement Group is currently under review by the Cameron County Commissioners Court. As of today, there is still a possibility of its implementation.

Cameron County Attorney asserts that the 27 acres in the lease have never been used as park land!

Mr. Richard Burst has asserted that the land up for lease by the Laguna Madre Enhancement Group is not used as park land. He seems to be of the mind that the land is useless unless there is a facility or playground equipment on it. Friends of Isla Blanca could not disagree more. This land is, in fact, park land and is used and enjoyed as such by many runners, walkers, beachcombers, surfers, kiteboarders, kite flyers, sunbathers as well as the precious wildlife that resides in the dunes of our public park. 9/19/09