Port Aransas law enforcement and beach patrols are preparing for an influx of visitors to the coastal community as spring break approaches over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n
Tourism is central to the local economy, according to Brett Stawar, president of the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n
Port Aransas law enforcement gears up for spring break crowds on the Texas coast<\/p>\n
“Tourism is at the core, the fabric of Port Aransas economy,” Stawar said.<\/p>\n
But the busy season also brings challenges. Port Aransas Police Department Lt. Joseph Rivas said underage drinking has been a recurring concern.<\/p>\n
“Underage drinking that’s become a problem,” Rivas said.<\/p>\n
Joey Farah, manager of Port Aransas Surf Rescue, said the crowds can sometimes get out of hand.<\/p>\n
“People kinda rough housing a little bit…. having too much to drink,” Farah said.<\/p>\n
To manage the surge of visitors, multiple agencies will be working together in the area.<\/p>\n
“Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens, Highway Patrol, will all be in town assisting and enforcing,” Rivas said.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest changes on the roadways this year is the addition of operational stoplights on beach access roads along Highway 361.<\/p>\n
“To help get people on the beach and off the beach. Sometimes we’re at a standstill,” Rivas said.<\/p>\n
On the water, Port Aransas Surf Rescue is fully staffed heading into the busy season. Farah urged beachgoers to use caution.<\/p>\n
“Do not go beyond your waist in the water. The surf today is three to four foot… it’s real choppy. It’s gonna be like this all week,” Farah said.<\/p>\n
For families hoping to avoid rowdy crowds, Farah recommended heading toward the Horace Caldwell Pier and areas closer to town.<\/p>\n
“It’s a lot calmer over here. So if someone is going to bring their family and they want a nice place to hang out I would say bring them a little more northbound towards our pier and towards our lifeguard towers and leave the rowdiness down south,” Farah said.<\/p>\n
Despite concerns about noise and crowds, spring break remains a critical economic driver for the community. Stawar said the tourism bureau is seeing significant growth this season.<\/p>\n
“We are seeing a growth of upwards of 20 percent in certain markets for the two week period compared to last year,” Stawar said.<\/p>\n
Stawar also noted that spring break is not just for college students.<\/p>\n
“A majority of the overnights in Port Aransas during spring break are families coming down to spend quality time with their kids,” Stawar said.<\/p>\n
Local schools and colleges are expected to give students time off over the next couple of weeks, bringing spring break traffic to the area.<\/p>\n
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