I.M. News

A facts-only,
non-profit source
of news for the Island
Island Matters is your source for South Padre Island News. Our overarching vision for the City of South Padre Island is to have (1) 100% transparency in government and (2) a family-friendly environment for the Island. When one looks around the world, except for the Disney cities, every great tourist destination was first a great place to live for its residents. Island Matters supports the City of South Padre Island attracting young families and building a strong economy for the Island that is robust all 12 months of the year.
Island Matters wants everyone who cares about our island, especially accountability on our island, to be a reader.
As with any news organization, but especially with a non-profit news organization, there is a clear firewall between the organization's publishing (fundraising) side and the editorial side. Island Matters will continue to be a facts-only source of accountability in local government with all editorial decisions made by island residents.
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As a non-profit, our Members are our primary donors. Like any island non-profit, Island Matters depends on island residents and property owners to support government transparency and a family-friendly environment, by supporting hyper-local, fact-based, non-profit news.
All our coverage is determined by island residents and property owners. Please support our efforts by being BOTH a subscriber (free) and a Member (donor).


Let's see what City Council did this week 👀
Feb 3 2023
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone - City Council Report
Jan 30 2023
Henry's Charters & Bus Tours Adds to Island Community and TourismInterview with Henry N. Rodriguez
Massage Therapist & Healing Of Time
Jan 27 2023
Massage Therapist & Healing Of TimeBy R. Daniel Cavazos
There's something happening this Saturday...
Jan 23 2023
Jenuine Cello Continues to Spearhead SPI Music by ExampleInterview with Jen Mulhern

The Ship Shaping will continue!
Jan 17 2023
Island Life: Ship Shape Celebrates its 30th Anniversary Interview with Liz Money


How The Art Lounge is Taking Off, Literally
Jan 9 2023
Cosmic ? The Art Exhibition Inspired by SPACEInterview with The Art Lounge Owner, Hamsa


Jan 2 2023
Incoming: Nautico Island Grill!Interview with sisters Bri Scanlan & Jenna Ghilain


Dec 25 2022
Dear Readers, Merry Christmas! We've been through a lot this past 2022, and now it's time to relax. Sincerely, Island Matters&nbs...

Dec 23 2022
No Admitted Complaints = No SolutionCity fails to address Board of Ethics need for reform

More Excitement for the Entertainment District
Dec 19 2022
Upgrades Coming to the Entertainment District Interview with Viva Owner Ernie Del Rio and Skipjack Inc. Property Manager Lorenzo Galvan


Are Transportation Services Lacking?
Dec 12 2022
SPI Seeking To Boost Shuttles From Harlingen AirportBy R. Daniel Cavazos

Did you visit Market by the Bay?
Dec 5 2022
The Islander: The Entertainment District is growingInterview with John Gattas


Nov 21 2022
Island Matters Receives $6,000 Grantby Sarah-Victoria Lozano

$10,000 Grant Awarded to Island Matters
Nov 14 2022
Island Matters Receives $10,000 Grant from The Knight Foundation
CVB Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Resigns
Nov 11 2022
CVB Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Resigns

Golf cart laws and another resignation..
Nov 11 2022
A recent tragic accident in the City of Galveston involving golf carts called SPI to re-examine their ordinances. Below is a brief summary of the Texa...



Nov 7 2022
The Islander: David HechtTraveling MusicianBy Sarah-Victoria Lozano


Oct 31 2022
The Islander: Jenuine Cello is Changing the Music Scene on South Padre Island
Oct 28 2022
Council Hears Views On Golf Cart ProposalsBy R. Daniel Cavazos








Cameron County Closes Beaches Due to Hurricane Ian
Sep 29 2022
Hurricane Ian Forces County to Close Beaches
Sep 26 2022
No Land for the Dogs?Local Advocates Join Forces to Find Land for City Dog Park

SPI Examines Golf Cart Ordinances
Sep 22 2022
SPI Examines Golf Cart Ordinances After Fatal Family Collision in Galveston
SPI Eyes SpaceX To Lift Expectations
Sep 19 2022
Island Life: SPI Eyes SpaceX To Lift ExpectationsBy R. Daniel Cavazos
SPI Public Transit Director Arrested
Sep 19 2022
SPI Public Transit Director on Paid Administrative Leave
Sep 16 2022
Food Truck Lawsuit: Does the Government Have Interest in Protecting Current Businesses?Institute of Justice Petitions to the Supreme Court of Texas


Realism Artist Finds Home On Island
Sep 12 2022
Realism Artist Finds Home On IslandBy R. Daniel Cavazos

7th Annual Summer Causeway Run & Fitness Walk Announcement
Sep 8 2022
Traffic Announcement:7th Annual Summer Causeway Run & Fitness Walk

Museum Will Help SPI Build Sense Of Community
Sep 5 2022
Museum Will Help SPI Build Sense Of CommunityBy R. Daniel Cavazos


CVB Builds on Success with Tourism Certification Program
Aug 26 2022
CVB Builds on Success with Tourism Certification Program

Lan Closures Planned for Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway on August 24
Aug 23 2022
Lane Closures for Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway on August 24
The Islander: Cindy Altum MacDonough
Aug 22 2022
The Islander: Cindy Altum MacDonoughSPI Music Guide
Museum Will Highlight Island `From Ranches To Shipwrecks'
Aug 15 2022
Museum Will Highlight Island 'From Ranches To Shipwrecks'By R. Daniel Cavazos
Development Standards Review Task Force: Form Base Code Gets Called into Question, Again
Aug 12 2022
Development Standards Review Task Force: Form Base Code Gets Called into Question, Again
Making SPI Arts Destination Gaining Acceptance
Aug 8 2022
Island Life: Making SPI Arts Destination Gaining AcceptanceBy R. Daniel Cavazos



Henry Brings National Perspective In Leading Island's CVB
Aug 1 2022
Henry Brings National Perspective In Leading Island?s CVBBy R. Daniel Cavazos

Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice
Jul 29 2022
Laguna Madre Water District Rescinds Boil Water Notice




SPI Chamber of Commerce Back on Track after Pandemic
Jul 18 2022
Island Life: SPI Chamber of Commerce Back on Track After Pandemic Interview with Chamber President/CEO Alita Bagley
Roundtable Meeting Offers Ideas To Boost Business Climate
Jul 15 2022
Roundtable Meeting Offers Ideas To Boost Business ClimateBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Art Business Incubator: Artist Capital on its Way
Jul 11 2022
Art Business Incubator: Artist Capital on its WayInterview with Deanna Powell

Island Matters to Host First Business Roundtable
Jul 7 2022
Island Matters to Host First Business Roundtable

Fishing's Future Spread Its Reach To Special Needs
Jul 4 2022
Fishing?s Future Spread Its Reach To Special NeedsBy R. Daniel Cavazos
Algoe's Story: How to Redress a Grievance with Local Government
Jul 1 2022
Algoe?s Story: How to Redress a Grievance with Local Government


Costa Cleanups Makes History with Biggest Beach Cleanup on SPI
Jun 27 2022
Costa Cleanups Makes History with Biggest Beach Cleanup on SPI





Food Truck Lawsuit Update: Appeals Court Grants South Padre Island Immunity
Jun 10 2022
Food Truck Lawsuit Update: Appeals Court Grants South Padre Island Immunity