Beyond Katrina

New Orleans airport to shut at 6 p.m. Sunday as Hurricane Gustav approaches

New Orleans will close its airport to commercial flights about 6 p.m. Sunday as the city braces for Hurricane Gustav. Ticketed passengers are urged to contact their respective airlines “as soon as possible,” according to a statement today by the Air Transport Assn.Continue>>>

Delta Customers Affected by Tropical Storm Edouard May Change Travel Plans Without Penalties or Fees Through Aug. 10

Source: Delta Air Lines, Inc.

ATLANTA, Aug. 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) customers booked on flights to, from or through select Texas cities may make adjustments to their travel schedule without penalty or fees due to flooding expected from Tropical Storm Edouard.

Customers who purchased tickets by Aug. 4, 2008, and are scheduled to travel Aug. 4-6, to, from or through the following cities on Delta, Delta Connection(r) or Delta-coded flights may make a one-time change without penalty or additional fees if tickets are changed by Aug. 10, 2008.

 * Austin, Texas
 * Houston, Texas (Bush Intercontinental and Houston Hobby airports)
 * San Antonio, Texas

Travel must begin on or before Aug. 10, 2008. Changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking.

Customers whose flights are canceled may request refunds. All customers are encouraged to visit delta.com/travelupdates for the latest news on Tropical Storm Edouard.

For updates on flights visit delta.com or call 1-800-325-1999 for flight status.

Media seeking the most up-to-date information on affected cities should visit delta.com. For the latest information on airport operations, please check the appropriate local airport Web sites.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 312 destinations in 61 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 393 weekly flights to 47 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 500 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com

Airlines warn of potential flight delays from Tropical Storm Edouard

DALLAS (AP) — Airlines warn that Tropical Storm Edouard could scramble air travel in Texas, causing delays and flight cancellations over the next couple of days.The carriers recommended Monday that passengers call ahead to make sure flights are still on schedule.Continue>>>

Power Restored at More Than 90 Percent on South Padre Island, Individual FEMA Assistance Approved

More than 90 percent of South Padre Island now has electricity, according to American Electric Power, and FEMA assistance for individuals was approved Thursday.

“Power may be spotty in some areas, but overall The Island is back on its feet,” said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “We want to thank AEP and its hard-working crews for all they’ve done for us.”

South Padre Island received notice late Thursday that President Bush approved a declaration that allows for individual FEMA assistance.

Residents in Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties can apply for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.FEMA.gov.

“We welcome our tourists back to South Padre Island, but we ask you to ‘pardon our dust,’” said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “Our warm, sandy beaches are open, and the weather’s fantastic.

“We will continue with our usual Friday fireworks display, and it will be a special one,” Pinkerton added. “The display will symbolize South Padre’s grand re-opening and resilience after a rather difficult time. This is your Island, and we want you to enjoy it with us.”

The fireworks display kicks off at 9:15 p.m. over the Laguna Madre Bay Friday between Marlin and Red Snapper streets.

PLEASE CALL (956) 761-3802 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND: BUSINESSES OPEN TO ISLAND COMMUNITY

*Island still open to residents, employees and those with specific Island business. Thank you for your patience.This will be updated often.

Restaurants/Bars

Zeste Gourmet    
3805 Padre Boulevard

Amberjack’s
209 W Amberjack

Palm Street Pier   
204 West Palm

Fishbones 
1 Padre Boulevard

Wanna Wanna
5100 Gulf Boulevard

Palms on the Beach
3616 Gulf Boulevard    

Dairy Queen
2401 Padre Boulevard

Subway
2100 Padre Blvd. #5

Sunset Café and Deli
1004 Padre Blvd Ste F-1

Grapevine Café
2800 Padre Blvd

Blackbeard’s Restaurant (Tuesday)
103 E. Saturn

Coral Reef 5401 Padre Blvd.

Texas Moon
5800 Padre Blvd. 

Louie's Backyard
2305 Laguna Blvd.

Supermarket

Blue Marlin Supermarket
2912 Padre Blvd

Convenience Stores

Stripes
Padre and Polaris
331 Padre Boulevard 
Gas included

Speedy Pac  
3012 Padre Boulevard
Gas included

Island Market
5312 Padre Boulevard
Gas Included

Banks

First National Bank
709 Padre Blvd

Wells Fargo Bank
1800 W. Highway 100

South Padre Bank
2701 Padre Blvd.

Lodging Properties

La Quinta Inn and Suites (Walk-ins only)
7000 Padre Blvd.

La Copa Resort
350 Padre Blvd.

Comfort Suites
912 Padre Blvd

Travelodge
6200 Padre Blvd.  

Businesses

Padre Insurance
3401 Padre Blvd.

Ben's Liquor
4000 Padre Blvd

Mirage
4200 Padre Blvd

Ocean Motion
4309 Padre Blvd.

Mini Stor All
103 W. Saturn

Ship Shape
5212 Padre Blvd.

Padre Auto Care
4000 Padre Blvd.

Padre Activity Rental
4000 Padre Blvd.

SOS Shipping
5212 Padre Blvd.

LaVina's Nail Care
5009 Padre Blvd.

Air Padre Kite Boarding
5709 Padre Blvd.

Sunset Blends
5009 Padre Blvd. #16

Island Ace Hardware
2213 Padre Blvd

Speculas
2013 Padre Blvd.

Printing Services

Alex Avalos
5009 Padre Blvd #14

Pier    

Jim's Pier
209 W. Whiting

Property Management

Coastal Lifestyles
104 W. Bahama

South Padre Beach Houses
3800 Padre Blvd.

Furcron
4800 Padre Blvd.

Fina Realty and Rental
108 W. Pompano

Clinics

Padre Island Health Specialists
3401 Padre Blvd.

PLEASE CALL (956) 433-1231 OR (956) 761-3802 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Power Restoration Continues on South Padre Island, Bridge Open to All Traffic

About forty percent of South Padre Island now has electricity, according to American Electric Power, and the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge is now open to all traffic.

Power appears to be restored in areas east of Padre Boulevard and will continue incrementally for the next few days.

“We welcome our tourists back to South Padre Island, but we ask you to ‘pardon our dust,’” said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “Our warm, sandy beaches are open, and the weather’s fantastic.”

As a precautionary measure, the 9 p.m. curfew will remain until the Emergency Management Team feels enough power has been restored.

AEP urges the community to unplug or turn off washers, dryers and other major appliances and electronic equipment like televisions, VCRs and computers. Turn them on one at a time when power is restored. If several large appliances start up at once when power is restored, they may overload your home’s electric circuits.

If you use a portable generator, DO NOT plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators “back-feed” electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Plug appliances directly into the generator.

PLEASE CALL (956) 433-1231 OR (956) 761-3802 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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South Padre Island reopens to tourists in wake of Dolly (Chron.com)

McALLEN — Police have reopened the bridge linking South Padre Island to the mainland to all traffic.
The Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge had been limited to residents of the island or people with business there to limit the number of people seeking a peek at Hurricane Dolly's destruction. Continue>>>

South Padre Island: July 26, 2008: 1 PM: UPDATE: Power to be Restored in 3-6 Days, Island Access Remains Restricted

Post-Hurricane Health, Service, Safety Information for South Padre Island

UTILITIES 

-AEP urges the community to unplug or place washers, dryers and other major appliances and electronic equipment like televisions, VCRs and computers, in the off position. Turn them on one at a time when power is restored. If several large appliances start up at once when power is restored, they may overload your home’s electric circuits. Again power is expected to be restored in 3-6 days.

-If you use a portable generator, DO NOT plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators “back-feed” electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Plug appliances directly into the generator.

-The boil-water advisory has been lifted. Water is safe for consumption.

SUPPLIES

-State emergency officials will continue to distribute supplies to the South Padre Island community at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark until power is restored. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Supplies include bottled water, bagged ice, food and hygiene packets.

-The Salvation Army is also distributing hot meals at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

-Both Brownsville Home Depot stores have donated charcoal, 5-gallon buckets, bleach, empty 5-gallon gas cans, brooms, mops, extension cords, paper towels and flashlights free to residents.

TRASH DISPOSAL

-Allied Waste is operating its normal residential pick-up schedule. An additional site has been set-up at Island Baptist Church, 107 Mesquite, for trash drop-off. Debris may be placed for pick-up at residential curbs. An additional debris drop-off site is the north parking lot of the Convention Centre.

MENTAL HEALTH

-Post-trauma mental health counseling is available at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

-Restaurants now open have been fully inspected by SPI health inspectors for compliance.

-Residents are strongly urged to re-stock perishable food supplies with fresh product.

MOSQUITOES

-The Town of South Padre Island will continue to spray for mosquito control due to standing water.

STANDING WATER

-The Town of South Padre Island has administered mosquito-control tablets to standing water.

-The community is urged to stay away from standing water, and speak with a physician if in contact with standing water that may contain sewage.

SHELTERS

-Two shelters located in Port Isabel with food and supplies: Baptist Children Family Services, 215 Yturria; Port Isabel Community Center, 213 Yturria.

FEMA

-General information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 1-800-621-FEMA.

South Padre Island closed for business after hurricane

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — With this normally busy beach destination virtually uninhabitable and not expecting power restored until next week at the earliest, officials Friday made a very rare decision to turn away tourists.As residents, public employees and aid workers across the Rio Grande Valley pitched in to help clean up after Hurricane Dolly, a prostrated South Padre Island declared itself not open for business. Continue>>>

Town Hall Meeting Today 6:30 p.m. at SPI Municipal Building, Island Access Restricted

South Padre Island residents and guests are urged to attend a Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.

The latest information will be provided on the status of the Island concerning everything from utilities, supplies, curfew, etc.

“We strongly urge residents and guests to attend this very important meeting,” said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “Although we are regularly providing updates via print, radio, TV, Internet media and street-to-street notifications, without power, communication can be difficult, and this is the best avenue to provide the latest information.”

Updates are also provided at the Municipal Building, 4601 Padre Blvd., and the Visitors Center, 600 Padre Blvd.

According to American Electric Power, power restoration on South Padre Island may take as long as 7+ days. 

Access to the Island is now restricted to residents and persons with necessary business on the Island. This is for safety and security reasons.

Due to the power conditions, a 9 p.m. daily curfew remains until power is restored. Avoid any contact with downed power lines.

State emergency officials will continue to distribute supplies to the South Padre Island community at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark until power is restored. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, until power is restored. Supplies include bottled water, bagged ice, food and hygiene packets. Island supply distribution is preferably for Island residents and guests. Another site has been established in Port Isabel for other Laguna Madre residents and guests.

Water was restored. However, it is currently unsafe for consumption. The Laguna Madre Water District issued a water advisory until further notice. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. For more information on the advisory, call (956) 572-0314, (956) 371-3131, or (956) 572-0316.

Allied Waste is operating its normal residential pick-up schedule. An additional site has been set-up at Island Baptist Church, 107 Mesquite, for trash drop-off. Debris may be placed for pick-up at residential curbs. An additional debris drop-off site is the north parking lot of the Convention Centre.

According to the State Attorney General’s Office, property owners along the Gulf Coast are cautioned to be wary of home repair scam artists and other fraudulent businesses in the aftermath of stormy weather.

When consumers turn to businesses for services to help in the clean-up and rebuilding process, they should consider these tips:

• Deal only with licensed or bonded contractors or builders;

• Call your insurance adjuster to get an estimate of the damage and repair cost;

• Be wary of contractors who solicit services door-to-door, especially those from another city or companies unfamiliar to you;

• Get the salesperson’s license plate number;

• Don’t be rushed into signing a contract, and never pay up-front for promised work;

• Secure the terms of any warranty work in writing; and

• Ask for references, or rely on recommendations from friends or relatives who have had experience with honest contractors.

Those who believe they have been deceived by fraudulent business practices, may call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 252-8011 or file a complaint online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

There is also a Town of South Padre Island ordinance that prohibits peddling or door-to-door soliciting.

THE COMMUNITY IS URGED TO PLEASE CALL (956) 433-1231 OR (956) 433-1645 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

South Padre Emergency Management Update - 7:00 pm

Weather Subsides; Transportation to Shelters Available; Curfew Established

Weather conditions on South Padre Island have significantly improved with Hurricane Dolly moving out of the area. However, wind conditions remain strong and scattered storms remain.

South Padre Island has significant flooding, damage to various structures and scattered debris. The Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge remains closed until opened by the Texas Department of Transportation. The Island remains without power, and residents and visitors are still urged to remain indoors.

Shelters are available on the mainland, and anyone wishing to be relocated is asked to go to the Town of South Padre Island Municipal Building by 10 p.m. The Municipal Building will serve as a staging center as Cameron County emergency officials dispatch buses to the Island. Anyone needing transportation to the Municipal Complex may call (956) 761-3802, and it will be provided.

According to Cameron County officials, those seeking shelter should bring their own necessities – food, blankets, clothing and medication. The City of Brownsville has committed to providing shelter

Due to the Island’s current state, an 8 p.m. curfew has been established and will be implemented by Island emergency officials.

“Although the storm’s conditions have improved, the damage remains,” said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “With no power, poor road conditions and continued winds, a curfew has been established for everyone’s safety.”

Winds are expected to fall below tropical storm force at South Padre Island by midnight today. By Thursday morning, winds everywhere are expected to be below 35 mph.

Rainfall estimated range from 3-10-plus inches over Cameron County. Significant beach erosion is expected, and storm surge estimates remain 6-8 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

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Melissa A. Zamora
Deputy Emergency Management Public Information Officer
Town of South Padre Island