Summer Survival Guide

• Park vehicles with all tires off the pavement; do not block intersections, pedestrian path, sidewalks or driveways
• Get valid parking permit at SPI Police Department to park on resident streets between Padre and Gulf Blvd.
• No overnight parking in public beach access spaces during times market on posted signs.
• Use free and low-cost transportation, such as;
The WAVE, SPI’s free public transit system
Operates along Padre and Gulf Boulevard 7am to 9pm daily (hours are subject to change without notice based on traffic conditions.) Just wait at designated bus stops or wave down an approaching bus.
Licensed Taxi Service Providers
A Cab / A Taxi – (956) 761-2222
Airport Taxi – (956) 761-1040
BB’s Taxi – (956) 761-1111
JJ’s Taxi – (956) 761-9292
Padre Cab – (956) 761-2525
Rates: $4 maximum or $2 per person maximum, whichever is greater on trips anywhere on South Padre Island, not restricted to City Limit. $10 maximum for trips from South Padre Island to anywhere in Port Isabel.

SPI Police handle numerous calls for service each day. It is the goal of the Police Department to provide the residents and visitors to South Padre Island with the highest quality and most efficient service possible.
Basic Vehicle and personal security times tips:
• Always lock your windows and doors when you are out.
• Make sure valuables are not visible through car windows.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Protect your personal information and identity from criminals by not carrying all of it in your wallet or on your person.
• Report any and all suspicious activities.
If it is an emergency please call 911.
Remember that you are an important partner in the fight against crime.

The City wants summer to be an enjoyable time for all visitors and residents!
Oops, you got a ticket? Please visit www.myspi.org and select Municipal Court Department to read important information concerning your violation.
Alcohol related offenses carry a fine and may also require completion of a mandatory Alcohol Awareness course and result in suspension of your Drivers License. The Municipal Court website also has the option of paying your citation online at www.municipalonlinepayments.com/southpadretx.
Additionally, appears for all Class C offenses can be made in person or in writing by the original court date. Please Call (956) 761-3225 for more information.

Summer Beach Saftey Tips for South Padre Island
• Never swim alone.
• Stay aware of children. They can easily become distracted and disoriented and can quickly walk a long distance unable to find their beach spot.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol that may cause impairment when swimming.
• Need help in the water? Yell and wave! Don’t wait.
• Call 9-1-1 to help a swimmer in distress.
• Flag down Beach Patrol for help or to report hazardous conditions.
• Swim parallel to shore when caught in a rip current (a strong current that rushes suddenly away from shore into deeper water). NEVER fight the current’s pull!
• If stung by a jellyfish, flag down Beach Patrol for help. Stings are rarely serious and can be easily treated.
Beach Patrol
The Fire Department operates a Beach Patrol to monitor beach activities and to provide rescue services as needed on the City’s beaches. Beach Patrol members use mobile patrol units to cover the City’s each area. If you need assistance, wave down the nearest unit. For an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Flag System
RED – Heavy surf, dangerous currents.
YELLOW – Calm to moderate conditions. Does not assume safe water.
PURPLE – Presence of venomous marine life.

We love our beaches and visitors. Let’s work together to make sure you, and those who vacation here after you, have the best experience with clean, litter-free beaches. Please observe the following city ordinances:
Beautiful Beaches
Please help us keep South Padre Island clean; littering violations can result in fines up to $2,000
No Glass On Beach
Glass on the beach can pose a serious Hazzard to beachgoers and marine life; glass on beach can result iin fines up to $500 per violation (glass item)
We Love Your Pets
Loose animals can be a danger to themselves and others. Dogs must be on a leash and restrained at all times within the Citys public areas. Animal waste must also be disposed of in trash receptacles.
Campaign
Overnight camping is prohibited throughout all City beaches. Parking in the City’s public beach access overnight is also prohibited. Fines up to $500.
No Shade Devices (Tents, Umbrellas, Canopies, etc.) or Charis on the beach from 10pm – 9am
City staff conducts regular maintenance and cleanup of the beach daily to make ti safe and enjoyable for beachgoers. To allow maintenance, no shade devices or chairs may be placed on the beach before 9am each day; and all shade devices and chairs must be removed from the beach by 10pm. Fines up to $500.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages (water is the best choice)
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30-60 minutes before heading out and reapply every three hours.
Ambulance & Medical Care
EMS (Emergency Medical Service) is operated by the South Padre Island Fire Department. For help:
• Wave down the nearest Beach Patrol Unit.
• For an emergency, call 9-1-1
• For non-emergencies, call (965) 761-5454
• Look for nearest post with warning flags for your location
Local Medical Facility and area Hospitals
International Family Clinic – (956) 761-4649 – 2217 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island
South Padre Island Clinic – (956) 761-3996 – 3808 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island
Harlingen Medical Center – (956) 365-1000 – 5501 S. Expressway 77, Harlingen
Valley Baptist Medical Center – (956) 698-5400 – 1040 Jefferson, Brownsville
Valley Baptist Medical Center – (956) 389-1100 – 2101 Pease St., Harlingen
Valley Regional Medical Center – (956) 350-7000 – 100 Alton Gloor Blvd., Brownsville

SPI City Hall – 4601 Padre Blvd.
• Police Department
• Municipal Court
• Code Enforcement
SPI Fire Department – 106 1. Retama St.

We are glad you are here. Please enjoy your stay and help us take care of our delicate environment. Don’t litter. The City fully implemented a plastic bag ban in 2012 to help protect our endangered Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles that confuse plastic bags found in the water with jellyfish. Since jellyfish are a favorite food of the turtles, they mistakenly eat the plastic bags, which may lead to their death. We love our Island and ask you to join us in protecting and promotion our environment.