First case of West Nile in Nueces County
The individual resides in zip code 78417 where there has not been a positive case of West Nile Virus identified in mosquitoes. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus identified in Nueces County for 2020.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District has received laboratory confirmation of a West Nile Virus infection in a Nueces County resident. The individual resides in zip code 78417 where there has not been a positive case of West Nile Virus identified in mosquitoes. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus identified in Nueces County for 2020.
The patient is a male in his 50s and is currently hospitalized locally. Further information is not being released for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
West Nile Virus is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Texas has reported 48 cases of West Nile and eight deaths for 2020.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus includes:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Body aches
Occasionally a skin rash, sometimes on the trunk of the body
Swollen lymph glands
Illness can be as short as a few days or last several weeks
Residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities, especially during dusk and dawn. While outdoors wear FDA approved insect repellant containing DEET and reduce mosquito breeding grounds by disposing items in the yard that can contain standing water such as tires, toys, or water buckets. Lastly, if residents develop any these symptoms following a mosquito bite, seek medical assistance immediately.
As a result of this confirmed case, Vector Services will implement the Mosquito Management Response Plan. The response entails the following:
The spraying of a 1/2-mile radius around the area of the detection for three consecutive nights beginning Wednesday evening, weather permitting.
Police Directed Patrol Officers and Neighborhood Services personnel will be attempting to locate any standing water in the affected neighborhood including examining abandoned properties.
Vector Services will conduct continuing surveillance of mosquito traps in the immediate area for signs of the Culex species of mosquito responsible for West Nile Virus.
Grant Funding for Regional Drainage Master Plan
The scope of the project will include developing basin-wide hydrologic computer models along with detailed and limited-detail hydraulic models of the mainstems and primary tributaries in Baffin Bay and South Corpus Christi Watersheds.
Press Release
Corpus Christi — Nueces County, in partnership with Jim Wells and Kleberg Counties, will lead a $2,250,000 regional drainage master plan study that focuses on the entire Baffin Bay and South Corpus Christi watersheds. Nueces County ranked high in the 2020 Flood Intended Use Plan for 75% grant funding ($1,687,500) from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for this regional study. The remaining funding is comprised of both cash and in-kind service contributions from all three counties. Numerous letters of support from various stakeholders were received for this study, including Senator Hinojosa, State Representative Herrero, and State Representative Hunter.
“We are pleased to serve as the lead entity to conduct this historical planning effort for our region, along with our neighboring partners, Jim Wells and Kleberg Counties. The regional drainage master plan study will be important to the basin to provide a comprehensive planning tool for minimizing the risk to human lives and reducing property loss based on past flooding events,” said Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge. “In light of potential flooding from Tropical Storm Beta, the results of this regional study will help local stakeholders better identify current flood risk, prioritize future capital improvement planning and evaluate future impacts to the watersheds due to growth and development.”
The scope of the project will include developing basin-wide hydrologic computer models along with detailed and limited-detail hydraulic models of the mainstems and primary tributaries in Baffin Bay and South Corpus Christi Watersheds. Nueces County plans to hold a public workshop in early November to provide a general overview of the proposed planning process.
TWDB recently approved the 2020 Flood Intended Use Plan and the prioritization for the 2020 Flood Infrastructure Fund cycle on August 17, 2020. TWDB’s governing Board also established $770,000,000 available for projects statewide, of which $231,000,000 is allocated to grant funding for applicants.
Restricted Access to Nueces County Crime Victims’ Memorial
The two statues as currently erected have not been certified by an engineer as being structurally sound and, as such, could pose a safety hazard for the public.
Press Release
The City of Corpus Christi received inquiries regarding two angel statues at the Nueces County Crime Victims’ Memorial. The two statues as currently erected have not been certified by an engineer as being structurally sound and, as such, could pose a safety hazard for the public. Additionally, the angel statues concept and installation was not reviewed or approved by the City prior to their installation as required in the agreement between the memorial organizers and the City of Corpus Christi. As currently constructed, the statues could be a safety issue as determined by the City’s Development Services Department.
The City is willing to allow the angel statues to be a permanent part of the memorial once all contract installation terms have been met and once the memorial organizers obtain an engineering safety certification. The City’s intent is not to be insensitive to the group’s purpose to memorialize their loved ones.
The City’s Chief Building Inspector conducted a site visit at the garden and has recommended cordoning off the statues until memorial organizers get an engineering safety certification. This will still allow for viewing but it will limit close access to the statues as a safety precaution. The cordoning was completed September 19, 2020.
The required engineer’s report will validate that the angel statues ultimately are installed in a manner that will resist required wind loads. All work must be in compliance with applicable ordinances and regulations. The organization will have 30 calendar days to submit the report to the City’s Development Services Department.
On July 21, 2020, The Nueces County Victims’ Memorial organizers were notified by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department that the memorial site at that time was not in compliance with the approved design guidelines outlined in the Memorial Installation Agreement and that exhibits that were not in compliance were to be removed. Initially, the group agreed to remove all non-compliance items including the two angel statues.
On September 14, 2020, all non-compliant exhibits were removed with exception of the two angel statues. City staff sent a follow-up email to organizers issuing a deadline of September 25, 2020 to remove the statues in an effort to seek compliance and maintain public safety. The removal request was issued to be consistent with the terms of the agreement, the use of the park, and to ensure public safety.
It is the City’s responsibility to ensure exhibits are designed and installed to ensure the safety of the public and maintain the natural aesthetics of the high-profile City Park while being enjoyed by all.
4th of July Firework Safety Tips
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi Fire and Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge fireworks inside the City Limits including the beach.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi Fire and Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge fireworks inside the City Limits including the beach. If cited, you could be fined up to $2,000 per opened package of fireworks.
To report the illegal discharge of fireworks, the phone number to use is 361-886-2600. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
Firework Safety Facts:
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never light fireworks indoors
Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
For more information about the dangers of consumer fireworks, visit www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
As a reminder, residents are urged to continue hygiene and safety precautions including wearing a face covering and limiting gatherings to slow the spread of the virus. To find out more about COVID-19 resources visit www.cctexas.com/coronavirus.
Nueces County ESD #3’s in-house conversion adds new role to excess military truck
Nueces County ESD #3 converted an excess military truck thanks the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program and a grant for a slip-on unit through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, both administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
Press Release
BISHOP, Texas – Nueces County ESD #3 converted an excess military truck thanks the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program and a grant for a slip-on unit through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, both administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our department did all of the work to complete the conversion of this truck,” said Nueces County ESD #3 Fire Chief John Davis. “One of the stipulations was that it had to be painted a nonmilitary color so we painted it and did all of the welding to get it service ready.”
The Stewart Stevenson now has a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 10-gallon foam system, making the multipurpose truck useful in wildland interface firefighting, high water rescues and as a tanker to transport water.
“We configured the slip-on unit in a T-shape to accommodate individuals during high-water rescues,” said Davis. “The department responds to a variety of calls so we are glad to have the option to add this rugged truck to our fleet.”
Nueces County ESD #3 has been serving their community since 1980 and has open enrollment for volunteers.
“We encourage any dedicated, energetic individual who wants to give back to their community to apply,” said Davis. “If interested come to any Monday night meeting at our fire station located at 205 South Pacific in Bishop at 7 p.m.