As Spring Break begins, I would like to show the importance of the Texas Coast. Texas has over 360 miles of coastline that line the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Gulf Coast. The coastline and beaches of Texas are important for our ecosystem, communities, and economy. These areas are home to marine life, wildlife, and natural habitats. Texas beaches are also popular tourist destinations. During the break, it is essential to care for the coastline by not leaving trash and to recycle properly.
On the southern coast, Corpus Christi, Rockport-Fulton, and Port Aransas have several beach locations to visit. These include the Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park, J.P. Luby Surf Park/North Packery Beach, Whitecap Beach, Padre Bali Park/Bob Hall Pier, I.B. McGee Beach Park/Horace Caldwell Pier, North Beach, South Packery Channel Beach, San Jose Island, and Rockport Beach. Each of these locations offers outstanding views and recreational activities. These include fishing, hiking trails, RV access/camping, swimming, windsurfing/kiteboarding, kayaking/canoeing, and birding/wildlife viewing sights. For more information visit Explore Corpus Christi Beaches, Port Aransas Beaches, and Rockport Beach.
I also want to highlight the importance of beach safety since many people will be going to the beach. I want to focus on rip currents which are powerful channelized currents of water flowing from shores that pull people away from the shore. The speeds of the currents can change quickly. If you are caught in a rip current try to swim parallel to the shore and if you cannot escape float or tread water. Also, knowing the beach conditions will help you stay safe at the beach. The Flag Warning System indicates the beach conditions. Red flags indicate extremely hazardous conditions and suggest avoiding the water. Yellow flags indicate the conditions are moderately hazardous, which means swimmers can swim but should be alert. Green flags mean water conditions are safe. For more information about rip currents, please visit the Corpus Christi Beach Flag Warning System.
To find more events around the Coastal Bend I encourage you to visit Do Spring Break on the Coast, Port Aransas, The Island Life, and Welcome to Rockport-Fulton. There are excellent opportunities to participate in the great South Texas culture.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
