I, too, want to add my condolences to the people who have lost loved ones, and to offer my thanks to you for your updates.  

We'll be coming down to Port Isabel for 3 weeks in November, 3 weeks in January, and 2 weeks in March. Bridge or no bridge, we'll spend as much time on  the Island as possible. Our daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren will be there for the first time during one of those weeks. No hesitation, we're going to have fun.

I think a PR campaign needs to be started. If Mackinac Island in Michigan can be profitable with only ferry service, why not Padre? Spread the word that it'll be an adventure, you will be able to spend time WITHOUT VEHICLES,  you can walk and ride bikes without worry of being run over, and you'll be able to see the "building of a bridge" as a bonus. Of course, let's not forget the really great restaurants, bars, and shops to visit!  Shops can offer to. Ferry us over, make a bicycle or dune buggy available, and we're on our way! And just think how much safer it will be - no more DUI's! Although they might have to give out BUI's (bicycling under the influence) - I have been known to tip over after one too many margaritas!

A bit of optimism and a bunch of ingenuity can go a loooooooong way!

My heart goes out to those with friends and families lost or still missing in the bridge accident.

I understand that the island merchants are doing their best to stay open. My husband and I are arriving Saturday Sep 29th, car ferry or no car ferry. I will be sorely disappointed if the shell shops and restaurants are closed. I have allowed $500 for expenditures other than gas, lodging any incedental groceries.

This is my first trip to SPI. We are traveling with other family that are "better heeled" than us although from lokking at them, you'd never guess it.

I cannot change my vacation dates. I saw your sandcastles online and wish we could come down during the competition. Sigh!

I'm sure I will have a good time, no matter what.

Hopefully, there are other dedicated beach lovers who will just get over the fact that it may be a bit of an adventure to come down there right now and go for it!

Just a short note to let you know how much I appreciate your work. I just
found this web site and am so glad I did. We've been spending the last 13
summers on Isla Blanca Park and was devastated by the horrible accident of
last week. We have created wonderful memories for our three sons and their
friends who joined us throughout our summers there. My prayers and
condolences go out to those families who lost a loved one. I also pray for
the Island economy and hope that all will survive this catastrophe.

thanks for the Padre Island news and pictures. We left the island on one of the last Austin flights before the 9-11 tragedy, and were like totally shocked when the barge hit the causeway. We'd sure like to show our support by coming back as soon as the ferries are ready for us. Maybe others would like to do the same, kind of like buying an American flag. Please keep us posted.

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Have been coming regularly to SPI since the 1960's with our toddlers, now come with our grand children...This is by far the best info about the tragedy to the Causeway...Still have our reservations for October and for Jan. and Fed...We will be there...Keep up the good work keeping us advised...Bartlesville, Oklahoma

I USE TO LIVE IN SOUTH PADRE JUST MOVED IN 99 I KNEW HECTOR MY MOM WAS THE MANAGER OF THE SEA RANCH I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY HECTOR IS THE KINDEST PERSON I EVER MET THAT I LOVE HIM AND I MISS HIM WITH ALL MY HEART AND HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Just a note to thank you so much for the web page and all of the
information. South Padre is one of the greatest places in the world. I live
in Zapata, Texas, and with the drought the last several years Lake Falcon
is all but dry. My love for water drove me to spend most weekends on the
island, and I'm hurt that so many people are suffering.
You mentioned a fund for the victim's families. Can you keep us up to date
with the decisions about disaster relief for the businesses? If the request
to declare the island an economic disaster area is turned down, are there
any other options being discussed. Yes, I'll come back and spend my few
dollars, but it just seems like such a little bit to do.

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I found your web page and will keep an eye on the progress. I have a condo
at the Golf Course and live in Denver. I am very interested in the
hardships and the economic struggle for the people and the island.

Thank you for the info.

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You are providing a great service!  Our hearts go out to all and figure the best way to help is make our yearly 2 week visit. Called and checked, the reservations are still on so see you on 10-6. Keep the info coming, you're like a life line.

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WILL TRY NOT TO WRITE A BOOK......

HAVE BEEN VISITING PADRE ANNUALLY SINCE 1985 (FROM CHICAGO).....IT IS PROBABLY OUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THIS WORLD. WAS HEART-BROKEN TO HEAR OF THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY AND LOSS OF LIVES. VISITED THIS PAST MAY, AND THERE ARE FIVE OF US COMING DOWN (GOD-WILLING) THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 13TH. KNOW THIS WILL BE A "DIFFERENT" VISIT FROM THE PAST, BUT WE ARE RARING TO GO AND LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT WE THOUGHT MIGHT BE A CANCELLED TRIP. AS YOU SAY, THE BEACH IS STILL BEAUTFIUL AND THE SUNSETS BREATHTAKING. WHATEVER THE SITUATION, WE WILL DEAL WITH IT AND HAVE A GRAND TIME AND TRY AND GIVE WHATEVER SUPPORT WE CAN. VERY ANXIOUS TO JUST BE THERE. DID SOME REARRANGING.....CANCELLED CAR IN HARLINGEN, WILL DO SURFTRAN AND RENTED CAR ON THE ISLAND.

THINK YOU DO A FANTASTIC JOB MAINTAINING THE WEB SITE.......CHECK IT OUT ALMOST DAILY, WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE AN UP'NCOMING TRIP. TOO BAD, THAT IN ALL THESE YEARS WE HAVEN'T RUN INTO YOU.....IT WOULD BE NICE TO MEET YOU.

ANYWAY, JUST WANTED TO COMPLIMENT YOU ON THE GREAT JOB YOU DO, AND LET YOU KNOW WE PLAN TO BE THERE IN A FEW WEEKS.

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Sandy, thanks so much for your website. I refer to it often while we
are away from our precious island. As always you are up to date and on
the ball. We are Texas residents and spend seven months of the year on
the Island, the other five here in Colorado. Being so far away we thank
you for keeping us in touch. We have the local papers forward to us
while we are away so we are able to keep up with the news. We also
receive Valley Morning Star Headlines on the web. This morning we did
not receive the Headlines......then remembered "Sandy" will have the
news! Thank you for your updated information and pictures. We are very
much relieved knowing that the ferry is running and normalcy is
returning to the island. We send our deepest sympathy to the families
that have suffered losses.

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Reading your report was like having a special edition news report
delivered directly to my desk. Maybe you should start your own "paper"
paper, you are an excellent reporter and I' sure, proving a valuable
service to friends, winter Texans, etc.

love, dad feets

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