Soak Up the Sun in South Padre

By Victor Block “Fish. Party. Repeat.” Those words, printed on a South Padre Island, Texas restaurant sign refer to two of the popular pastimes there.

SPI (as locals call it) and nearby Port Isabel also boast a long list of other things to see and do.

These activities are well known to “Winter Texans”—people primarily from the Midwest who spend several winter months soaking up the sun and fun at those twin towns nestled along the Gulf of Mexico at the Lone Star State’s southern extremity.

This is an area of outstanding beaches, a long list of both land and water activities, and intriguing historical tidbits. Both communities present the atmosphere of many beachfront locations. Hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops abound, and colorful golf carts are a popular mode of transportation.

Much more awaits those who find their way to this fantastic destination that’s within a seashell’s throw of Mexico. NO FISH? NO CHARGE

South Padre Island’s beaches have won well-deserved accolades, and the proximity of Mexico has influenced the local culture. After the Spanish exploration period, the area was owned by Mexico and then the Republic of Texas before becoming part of the United States.

Visitors soon learn why the destination is a magnet for people who like to fish. The waters are so productive that one charter boat captain advertises “No fish; no charge.”

The A (antiquing) to Z (ziplining) list of activities includes many that are water-related. They range from kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling and sailing, to speeding around on a jet ski and loping along a beach on horseback.

Birding is another attraction. At the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, I spotted some of the 350-plus species that reside in or migrate through the area. Some have colorful names like Marbled Godwit and Semipalmated Plover.

Another expedition took me on a dolphin-watch cruise in Laguna Madre Bay. Captain Bob pointed out the first sighting as soon as we left the marina.

Whenever someone saw a telltale fin—or better yet, a dolphin leaping out of the water—a collective “ooooh, aaaah” echoed among the passengers.

Adding to our enjoyment was inspecting the specimens that a net had dredged up from the bay floor. Among the sea life we examined were a sting ray, several fish and shrimp. A visiting beachgoer surfcasts for his dinner in South Padre Island, Texas.

SENSATIONAL SHRIMP

It’s no surprise that shrimp were among our catch. Those crustaceans have been the source of an industry that has thrived in the area since the 19th century. Trawlers drag their nets through the Gulf Mexico for as long as three weeks at a time, working at night because shrimp are nocturnal.

Also not surprising are variations on shrimp dishes that are served at local restaurants, including tacos, quesadillas, benedicts, omelets and

BLT sandwiches. They augment the American, Mexican and Texas-based cuisine which is included on many menus.

HISTORY & LIGHTHOUSES

The story of shrimping is among those told at the Port Isabel Historical Museum.

Exhibits portray the area’s past, beginning with the arrival of Native Americans and moving on to the Spanish exploration period, the Civil War and local folklore.

The museum is housed in a historic building (built in 1899), which in the past served as a dry goods store, post office and railroad station.

Port Isabel also is home to a lighthouse, which was completed in 1853 to guide ships bringing supplies to U.S. military posts. During the American Civil War, it was used as an observation tower by both forces. Of the 16 lighthouses along the Texas coastline, this is the only one that’s open to visitors. Those who climb to the top are rewarded with dramatic 360-degree views of the land and sea.

If clambering to the top of a lighthouse isn’t your thing, perhaps world-class fishing or relaxing on celebrated beaches is. They’re among many treats that await those who visit SPI and Port Isabel, Texas. ■

Trawlers drag their nets through the Gulf of Mexico for as long as three weeks at a time to catch shrimp, which is the source of an industry that has thrived in the area since the 19th century. South Padre Island and nearby Port Isabel boast a long list of things to see and do, including many outstanding beaches.

Visit sopadre.com and portisabel-texas.com to get some great ideas for travel!

By Kimberly Blaker

You’re nearly asleep when suddenly, you’re startled by a noise. Instantly, you’re paralyzed by the fear of an intruder.

Fortunately, most of those bumps in the night turn out to be little more than the ice maker or house settling. Nonetheless, the U.S. Department of Justice reports approximately 3.7 million burglaries occur each year.

So how can you protect your home and yourself? Prevention is the best line of defense. But it’s equally important to be prepared and know what to do should a burglary occur when you’re at home. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for burglars to knock on the front door to see if anyone’s home.

There are several things you can do to prevent unwanted entry into your home through doors. • Keep doors locked at all times, whether you’re home or not. • Install a deadbolt on all doors.

Proper installation is crucial, so consider hiring a locksmith. • Install a peephole. • Eliminate or frame-in sidelight windows. Security window film can also prevent entry, or at least slow down a burglar.

LOCK YOUR FRONT DOOR ENFORCE WINDOWS AND PATIO DOORS

come with very secure locks. Consider adding a keyed patio door lock and security pin, or add something as simple as a security bar or wooden dowel in the door track.

The same is true of windows. Consider adding a security window film to make the glass more difficult to break. Decorative security film will also add privacy, and can even be used on patio doors. The thicker the film, the more effective it is in preventing glass breakage.

Finally, make it a habit to lock your windows every time you close them, as it’s easy to forget about them when you leave or go to bed.

SECURITY ALARMS FOR EVERY BUDGET

Today, there are window and door alarms to fit nearly every budget.

Although security alarms don’t block access, they can be a deterrent. Many burglars are scared off when an alarm sounds. You’ll also be alerted if someone does enter your home. Depending on the alarm and service plan you have, it may put in a call to the police as well.

Some would-be burglars avoid homes with a security system sign posted outside. However, many burglars realize people often post signs when they don’t have a security system and that most people often don’t arm their systems. This also goes for doorbell cameras and smart home automation.

Before you purchase security alarms, do your research and get the best you can afford.

KEEP YOUR LIGHTS ON

Make sure all entry points to your home, including windows, are well lit. This serves as a deterrent and also makes braver burglars more visible to you, neighbors or passersby. If you don’t want lights on all the time, install motion lights.

Wall mount solar lights are a very affordable option. You can typically find half a dozen lights for around $25.

Having the lights on indoors also deters burglars by creating the perception someone is home and awake. Leave one or two lights on in the main rooms of your home at night or when you’re away.

MORE PREVENTION TIPS

• Don’t hide a key under the doormat, planter or elsewhere. • Keep shrubs and trees around your home trimmed, particularly near access points, so burglars don’t have a place to hide. • Install window coverings on all windows and close them at night so burglars can’t see in. • Keep your car locked at all times. This is very important if you have a garage door opener in your car. Also, make sure the opener isn’t in view. • Lock the door from your garage to your home. Many burglars are able to access garages that are locked or secured by garage door openers.

WHAT IF A BURGLARY OCCURS WHEN YOU’RE HOME?

Being prepared is crucial to reducing your risk of being a victim of violence. First, consider ways you can escape your home safely. Once you’ve developed a safety plan and backup plan, practice both so you’re prepared in the event of a burglary. • Have an escape ladder. Homes that aren’t at ground level pose

SLEEP WITH YOUR CAR KEYS NEXT TO YOUR BED. IF YOU HEAR A BURGLAR, HIT THE PANIC BUTTON. SOMETIMES THIS WILL SCARE OFF AN INTRUDER WHO FEARS NEIGHBORS WILL WAKE.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology makes home security options more accessible and affordable than ever. Outdoor cameras and doorbells from Ring, SimpliSafe and Google Nest are relatively easy to use and install.

additional challenges. An escape ladder stored in an easily accessible spot is a worthwhile investment. You can also use it to escape a fire. • Lock your bedroom door at night. That way you’ll be able to hear if someone tries breaking into your room. Because bedroom door locks are easy to pick, consider installing keyed door knobs. • Choose a safe room. It can be a closet or bathroom that’s easily accessible, preferably with an escape route. Install a deadbolt on the door and, if possible, keep an extra phone in there. In the event burglars do try to enter the room you’re in, they'll likely realize you’re in there. Tell them

“we’ve” called the police, so they don’t think you’re alone. • Arm yourself. Carefully consider the pros and cons of keeping a weapon near your bed or in your safe area and the type of weapon. (Know that pepper spray has a high incidence of not working.

And when it does, the mist can end up in your own eyes.) Most burglars don’t intend to cause harm. But if they feel threatened, things can escalate. • Sleep with your car keys next to your bed. If you hear a burglar, hit the panic button.

Sometimes this will scare off an intruder who fears neighbors will wake.

• Keep your phone near your bed at night and fully charged.

If a burglar is at your door and hasn’t yet gained access to your home, tell him through the locked door that you “and your husband” are home and have already called the police. Then immediately dial 911.

If you think an intruder is already inside your home, you don’t know his intentions. Quietly grab your phone and lock yourself in a room, preferably one with an escape window. Be as quiet as possible and call 911. Give dispatch your address, that way if your call is disrupted, dispatch knows your location. Stay on the phone until dispatch informs you the police have arrived and it’s safe to come out. ■