Naval Air Station Kingsville Inducts new Member to Hall of Heroes
Lt. Cmdr. Peter Lunaas is the newest member of the air station’s Hall of Heroes. He was inducted in a brief ceremony conducted by air station Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Korsmo, Sept. 30.
Press Release
NAS Kingsville Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Korsmo inducted Lt. Cmdr. Peter Lunaas into the air station’s Hall of Heroes, Sept. 30. Lt. Cmdr. Lunaas was nominated by his son, Mark, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Connie, and their son, Marshall.
NAS KINGSVILLE – Lt. Cmdr. Peter Lunaas is the newest member of the air station’s Hall of Heroes. He was inducted in a brief ceremony conducted by air station Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Korsmo, Sept. 30.
Lunaas earned his coveted “Wings of Gold” in Dec. 1943 and trained with the Hellcat Squadron in Great Lakes, Illinois before joining Admiral Marc Mitscher’s Task Force 58 aboard USS Ranger in the Pacific Theater. He saw action at Truk and the Mariana Islands chain and is credited with having shot down three enemy aircraft.
After the war, Lunaas graduated from Test Pilot School as NAS Patuxent, Maryland where he worked alongside test pilot John Glenn, before being assigned to Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Kingsville with ATU 222.
During the Korean Conflict, Lunaas served aboard the USS Leyte Gulf and USS Boxer before returning to NAAS Kingsville in November 1958.
In 1962, Lunaas was assigned to the U.S. Military Technical Advisory Group as party of a 14-month tour of duty in Indonesia.
He returned to NAS Kingsville in January 1964 and retired from the Navy on July 1, 1965. He joined the Naval Aviation Ground Training School at NAS Kingsville as an instructor teaching students aerodynamics and aerial navigation until January 1987. He died less than a year later on Nov. 20, 1987.
Lt. Cmdr. Lunaas was nominated for inclusion into the Hall of Heroes by his son, Mark, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Connie, and his son, Marshall.
Final Day to Register to Vote is Approaching
Press Release
Corpus Christi - The last day to register to vote in the November 3, 2020 General & Special Bond Election is Monday, October 5.
You can obtain a voter registration application by visiting www.votetexas.gov or at the Nueces County Courthouse. Simply complete the form and drop it off, by October 5, at the Nueces County Voter Registrar’s Office, Suite 102, Nueces County Courthouse, 901 Leopard Street. For more information, call 361-888-0404.
Early voting begins Tuesday, October 13 and runs through Friday, October 30. For a look at early voting locations and other election-related information, please visit https://www.cctexas.com/elections or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 361-826-3105.
$3 million for Student Support Services at Texas A&M University Kingsville
The program will aid 360 first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, undergraduate students.
Press Release
The Office of Student Access at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has received just over $3 million in U.S. Department of Education grant money for the Student Support Services (SSS) programs. The SSS program received more than $1.7 million while the SSS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program received over $1.3 million, each divided into payments over the next five years.
Both programs already assist Texas A&M-Kingsville students, but these grants will extend those services another five years.
“These programs are not only important to our students because they provide individualized academic services that promote persistence, but they also will now offer career-focused skill building so that our students are competitive in the workforce once they graduate,” said. Dr. Maria Martinez, interim associate vice president for student access.
The goals of the programs are
To increase the persistence and graduation rates of eligible university students
To foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities based on need
To help students make the transition from one level of higher education to the next.
“These programs are meaningful and highly impactful. I also think the funding level is remarkable because it means we can provide additional services related to career planning and funding for internships,” Martinez said. “New aspects of the SSS programs will include focused career and internship plans, personal fiscal/budget management plans and career mentoring engagements with industry professionals.”
The two programs serve 360 first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, undergraduate students each year. Both programs offer peer mentoring, academic tutoring, specialized career counseling, dedicated computer lab access, academic workshops, financial planning and career workshops, graduate school planning trips and grant aid.
The SSS program serves students who are majoring in all fields offered at Texas A&M-Kingsville while the SSS STEM program provides services to those in STEM majors.
Revitalized Uptown Corridors are in the Works
The plan will include conceptual drawings to help reimagine these corridors with improvements, such as landscaping, streetscape amenities, and urban design considerations, that create an attractive and coordinated sense of place.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi City Council gave the approval to start a planning initiative to revitalize portions of Staples Street from Six Points to Interstate 37 and Leopard Street from Upper Broadway to the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286), which are key commercial corridors identified in the 2018 Downtown Area Development Plan. This initiative, known as the Staples/Leopard Street Corridor Revitalization Plan, will develop a strategy for revitalization that will guide future public and private development and lay the foundation for a strong local economy.
“This project marks a pivotal first step in my efforts to revitalize the Staples Street Corridor to move forward economic progress. This is an important initiative for our city because it is the first time we are investing and planning for the future of this area. We must rebuild Staples and the uptown reimagining this entre area as an economic gateway to our downtown” At-Large council woman Paulette Guajardo said.
The plan will include conceptual drawings to help reimagine these corridors with improvements, such as landscaping, streetscape amenities, and urban design considerations, that create an attractive and coordinated sense of place.
Swim Lessons and Water Aerobics
Instruction will consist of a set of skills and techniques at each level, with participants advancing to the next level at their own pace.
Press Release
The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s Fall 2020 Swim Programs that include swim lessons and water aerobics are set to begin on Monday, October 5.
The aquatics staff encourages everyone to learn to swim. It is a valuable life skill to add to anyone’s toolbox which can be enjoyed throughout their life. Certified instructors teach participants how to swim and the importance of water safety. Instruction will consist of a set of skills and techniques at each level, with participants advancing to the next level at their own pace.
Group Swim Lessons will take place on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 6–8 p.m. for $50/person/session (2 classes per week for 4 weeks for a total of 8 lessons) at the Corpus Christi Natatorium, located at 3202 Cabaniss Parkway.
Each class day will be 30 minutes long. Group sessions are designed for all ages and skill levels. Due to COVID-19, swim group lessons will be limited to only two participants. Registration for group lessons closes the Thursday before each session starts.
Session 1: October 5–30
Session 2: November 9–December 11 (No class Thanksgiving week, November 23–27)
The Water Aerobics class for adults ages 18 and older will take place on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday for $25/person/month (3 classes per week for a total of 12 classes) at Collier Pool, located at 3801 Harris Drive.
Due to COVID-19, classes will be limited to only 12 participants. Registration for classes closes the Thursday before each session starts. The class will be held in waist-level water and led by a certified instructor. Water aerobics is an excellent low-impact way to improve your flexibility, strengthen your core and stay active.
Session 1: Tuesday/Thursday 8–8:45 a.m., and Saturday 9–9:45 a.m., starts October 6, 2020.
Session 2: Tuesday/Thursday 9–9:45 a.m., and Saturday 9–9:45 a.m., starts October 6, 2020.
Register Online at register.ccparkandrec.com. For more information, visit www.ccparkandrec.com (click “Swim Programs & Pools”), or call (361) 826-1749 or (361) 826-PLAY.
ADDITIONAL COVID-19 GUIDELINES:
All pool visitors/participants must wear a mask and have their temperature checked when entering the facility, and any time while on the pool deck area. Masks are not required when in the pool swimming. Any visitor with a temperature of 100 or above will be asked to not enter the facility.
All instructors will also wear a mask and have their temperature checked upon entering the facility. Any instructor with a temperature of 100 or above will not be permitted to teach that day, and a substitute instructor will take their place.
Patrons must adhere to the 6 feet of physical distancing on the pool deck.
Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call (361) 826-3460 at least 48 hours in advance.
For more information about a wide variety of programs and services offered by the department, visit www.ccparkandrec.com.
New Bayside Area Development Plan
The planning process will examine current conditions, establish the community’s vision and goals, and identify implementation strategies that include infrastructure and public services improvements and policy and programmatic initiatives rooted in community input and aligned with fiscal, environmental, and land use considerations.
Press Release
Photo by Gabriela Morrow, City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI - A modern development plan for the Bayside area is in the works. Council gave the approval to start crafting a long range, 20-year plan for the Bayside area that consists of 16.6 square miles and is bounded by Morgan Avenue on the north, South Padre Island Drive (SH 358) on the south, Ocean Drive/Oso Bay on the east, and the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286) on the west. The Bayside Area Development Plan study area includes well-known locations such as Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course, Sunrise and La Palmera Malls, Six Points, and the Port-Ayers commercial corridor.
This is primarily in City Council District 2 with representation by Councilman Ben Molina who has been actively engaged in the area’s continued development.
"I am excited about this new development plan. The Bayside area is rich in its diversity and includes some of the City's major institutions. I personally look forward to getting involved in the planning process," Councilman Molina said.
“Community engagement will be a key factor included as part of this development plan, and I will be actively encouraging the community to participate in the ongoing efforts to build stronger neighborhoods for years to come.”
The current 1995 plan, formerly known as the Southeast Area Development Plan, no longer reflects existing conditions or future needs in this area of our city. The planning process will examine current conditions, establish the community’s vision and goals, and identify implementation strategies that include infrastructure and public services improvements and policy and programmatic initiatives rooted in community input and aligned with fiscal, environmental, and land use considerations.
Community involvement will be a key part of the process. To receive emailed announcements about the Bayside Area Development Plan and opportunities to participate, sign up here or visit www.cctexas.com/Planning.
3 Gregg County Commissioners Charged with Organized Election Fraud
The group targeted young, able-bodied voters to cast ballots by mail by fraudulently claiming the voters were “disabled,” in most cases without the voters’ knowledge or consent.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that authorities arrested Gregg County Commissioner Shannon Brown, Marlena Jackson, Charlie Burns, and DeWayne Ward on charges in connection with an organized vote harvesting scheme during the 2018 Democratic primary election. To increase the pool of ballots needed to swing the race in Brown’s favor, the group targeted young, able-bodied voters to cast ballots by mail by fraudulently claiming the voters were “disabled,” in most cases without the voters’ knowledge or consent. Under Texas election law, mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are physically ill and cannot vote in-person as a result.
In total, the state filed 134 felony charges against the four defendants, including engaging in organized election fraud, illegal voting, fraudulent use of an application for a mail-in ballot, unlawful possession of a mail-in ballot, tampering with a governmental record, and election fraud. Penalties for these offenses range from six months in state jail to 99 years in prison.
“It is an unfortunate reality that elections can be stolen outright by mail ballot fraud. Election fraud, particularly an organized mail ballot fraud scheme orchestrated by political operatives, is an affront to democracy and results in voter disenfranchisement and corruption at the highest level,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Mail ballots are vulnerable to diversion, coercion, and influence by organized vote harvesting schemes. This case demonstrates my commitment to ensuring Texas has the most secure elections in the country, and I thank the Gregg County Sheriff and District Attorney for their continued partnership. Those who try to manipulate the outcome of elections in Texas must be held accountable.”
A grand jury returned indictments on 23 felony counts against Commissioner Brown, 97 felony counts against Marlena Jackson, eight felony counts against Charlie Burns, and six felony counts against DeWayne Ward. The Office of the Attorney General was assisted by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation. The Texas Attorney General will prosecute this case alongside the Gregg County District Attorney.
Kingsville Crime Stoppers Need Your Help
On May 31, 2020 at approximately 12:00 p.m., three individuals (two males and one female) are seen breaking into Henrietta Memorial Center in Kingsville.
Press Release
On May 31, 2020 at approximately 12:00 p.m., three individuals (two males and one female) were seen breaking into Henrietta Memorial Center in Kingsville. The individuals caused damages that are estimated to be approximately $3000. Anyone with any information about this crime should contact Detective Cyndi Flores with the Kingsville Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau at (361)593-8849.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Kingsville Crime Stoppers at 361-592 INFO, or visit them at Kingsville Crime Stoppers or text "KCS" with message to CRIMES (274637).
$104 Million Federal Grant for Opioid Crisis
The Federal grant will expand access to treatment by combining FDA medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for treatment of opioid use disorders.
Press Release
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has secured a two-year, $104 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to help people and families negatively impacted by opioids.
“We are saving lives with the support of these federal funds that allow us more training and treatment services for people affected by the opioid crisis in Texas,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “We’re working closely with agencies throughout Texas to increase prevention awareness and help people all over the state who have opioid use disorder or know someone with opioid use disorder.”
The $104 million State Opioid Response 2020 grant will increase access to medication-assisted treatment and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through prevention and recovery activities. Expanding access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment helps people by combining Food and Drug Administration-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of opioid use disorders.
"I am proud of the ongoing efforts of the Legislature and HHSC to end the opioid crisis in Texas," said State Sen. Charles Schwertner, M.D. "As we continue to see the detrimental effects of opioid misuse on individuals and their families, it has become increasingly important to bolster our state's treatment and prevention options. I am thrilled to see this great work continue and grow so we are able to provide Texans with the support and resources they need.”
Since May 2017, Texas has been awarded more than $280.8 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis under the Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) program that includes State Opioid Response 2020 funding. To date, more than 600,000 people have received prevention, treatment or recovery support services through the TTOR program, including treatment, peer coaching services, disposal of prescription drugs, and overdose-related emergency response services.
Additionally, between May 2019 and June 2020, 110,816 naloxone kits have been disseminated and 1,624 people were trained to reverse an opioid overdose resulting in 1,417 lives saved through overdose reversals. People who benefit from TTOR services include people with opioid use disorder, their family members, significant others and supportive allies who are affected by opioid use.
More details, including information about individual projects and recipients, will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Affordable Units Fully Funded
This project is proposed to be located at the corner of Greenwood Drive and Frio Street in Corpus Christi.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - Prospera Housing, a nonprofit owner and operator of affordable housing projects in South Texas had applied with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for Harvey funds to construct the Village at Greenwood apartments. This project is proposed to be located at the corner of Greenwood Drive and Frio Street in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The project was originally awarded less funds than requested and had to request $1,250,000 from the City of Corpus Christ for the new construction of 60 units. Without the City’s support of this request this project would not have been able to proceed.
Now, with the persistent help of State Representative Todd Hunter, Mayor Joe McComb and District 3 Councilman Roland Barrera, the GLO has increased the award for the project in Corpus Christi to an amount allowing Prospera Housing to fully fund the project without Type B Funding.
District 3 Councilman Roland Barrera whose district the project will be constructed stated that by continuing to pursue extra federal pass thru funding, the returned Type B funds will be preserved until another affordable housing project comes along. “It’s pretty rare that anyone returns funds to the city, but Prospera Housing is a rare organization dedicated to creating meaningful partnerships with local entities to build and preserve affordable housing,” Councilman Barrera said.
Gil Piette, the CEO for Prospera Housing, reaffirmed that when Prospera applied for Type B funding for this project, Prospera committed to the City that it would only take such funds as necessary to complete the project. Prospera is pleased to report that with the help of State Representative Hunter and Mayor McComb and Councilman Barrera, this allocation of additional federal funds to Corpus Christi allows the nonprofit to build more affordable housing units than was originally presented. As a result, Prospera will no longer need City funds for this project and is happy to return the funds to the City of Corpus Christi.
North Beach Hotel Development Agreement
The agreement included incentives up to $7,826,200 for the construction of a nearly $40 million upscale hotel and apartment building on North Beach.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #4 (TIRZ 4) board members voted in favor of authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement for an upscale hotel at 3612 Surfside Boulevard. After discussion among members and the Developer’s representative, the TIRZ #4 members agreed to an extension of the deadlines to begin and complete construction.
In November 2019, Corpus Christi City Council approved the original agreement with The Breakers at North Beach, LP. The agreement included incentives up to $7,826,200 for the construction of a nearly $40 million upscale hotel and apartment building on North Beach.
The initial agreement included the deadline goals set forth by the developer which required construction to begin on the hotel development within six-months or by June 2, 2020.
The new term, as requested by the developer, grants the developer three years and three months’ time to begin construction of the hotel development on or before January 31, 2024.
Suspect Believed to be Involved in at Least Three Aggravated Robberies
Corpus Christi Police Department Investigators need your help identifying a suspect believed to be involved in at least three aggravated robberies.
Press Release
Corpus Christi Police Department Investigators need your help identifying a suspect believed to be involved in at least three aggravated robberies.
Date: Monday, September 14, 2020 8:55 pm
Location: 1600 block of SPID
Offense: Aggravated Robbery
Case Number: 2009140111
On September 14, 2020 Officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of SPID for an Aggravated Robbery of a business. While in the commission of the Robbery, the male displayed a handgun and demanded money from the employee. The suspect was able to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen on foot traveling westbound from the location on foot.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40-50 years of age, approximately 6’00”, 200 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, wearing a white muscle shirt, black jacket, blue jean pants, black shoes and a bandana over his face.
On September 16, 2020, at approximately 6:13 pm, the same suspect entered a business located on the 3900 block of SPID. The male handed the employee a note demanding all of the money in the register. While in the commission of the Robbery, the male displayed a handgun. The suspect was able to get away with undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen leaving the location on foot.
On September 20, 2020 at approximately 9:09 pm the same suspect entered a business located on the 3900 block of Saratoga. The suspect handed the employee a note demanding all of the money from the register. While in the commission of the Robbery, the male displayed a handgun. The suspect was able to get away with undisclosed amount of cash.
If you can identify the suspect, or have any additional information about these crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C&T. Crime Stoppers guarantees to keep your identity anonymous and if the information leads to an arrest, it could earn you a cash reward of up to $2,500.
City of Corpus Christi will Plant Over 200 Trees in Its Parks
A contract to plant 230 trees at six park locations: Labonte Park, West Guth Park, Los Encinos Park, Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and Mike Zepeda Park.
Press Release
At today’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe McComb and City Council Members approved, on first reading, a contract to plant 230 trees at six park locations: Labonte Park, West Guth Park, Los Encinos Park, Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and Mike Zepeda Park.
The trees in this project will provide much needed shade for residents enjoying our Park’s System. The trees are all native to South Texas. The types of trees to be planted include Live Oak, Bur Oak, Mexican Sycamore, Monterrey Oak, Montezuma Cypress, Cedar Elm and Anacaua. The Parks & Recreation Department will maintain the new trees by watering weekly using a mobile water tank.
There are numerous benefits that trees bring to the urban environment that enhance our park system. The benefits of planting trees include natural shade; purifying the air; supporting wildlife (such as birds, butterflies, etc.); and reducing soil erosion.
For additional information, visit www.ccparkandrec.com
Gulf Beaches to Reopen
Visitors should use caution if driving on the beach as driving lanes have not been cleared of debris or graded.
Press Release
As the effects of Tropical Storm Beta subside locally, the City of Corpus Christi announces the reopening of the following three beach access roads: Gulf Beach Access Road 3A, Zahn Road and Newport Pass Road.
Visitors should use caution if driving on the beach as driving lanes have not been cleared of debris or graded.
The Whitecap Seawall will need to remain closed to vehicles because the water is within 150 feet of the Seawall, as per City Ordinance.
Roads that remain closed until further notice are Whitecap and Access Road 2 and Access Road 3 due to high water levels.
For more information, call (361) 826-3460 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com (click ‘Corpus Christi Beaches’).
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.
Texas Updates Mental Health Resource Website
This online resource is available for people seeking mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis hotline numbers, local mental health authorities, as well as information about common behavioral health conditions and social services from multiple government agencies.
Press Release
AUSTIN – To better serve Texans seeking mental or behavioral health assistance, the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council is launching its redesigned Mental Health Texas website, mentalhealthtx.org, linking people to available local resources in one website.
“By redesigning our one-stop shop for behavioral health resources we’re speeding up the process for Texans to access the services they need,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “Helpful behavioral health services exist across more than 20 state-funded agencies in addition to other behavioral health resources and this website brings those critical resources together in one place.”
This online resource is available for people seeking mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis hotline numbers, local mental health authorities, as well as information about common behavioral health conditions and social services from multiple government agencies. Behavioral health resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic are also available on the website.
“When someone is in the midst of crisis, the last thing they need is to feel overwhelmed by where to go for help,” said State Sen. Jane Nelson. “The newly updated mentalhealthtx.org will help Texans quickly locate the care they need.”
Enhancements to the website include guidance to people seeking help for themselves or loved ones on selecting the right provider and access to resource documents and provider trainings. New content also features information on common topics such as suicide, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis, trauma, substance use, depression, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, the behavioral health information and resources are organized in a user-friendly format by population groups: children, teens, veterans, and seniors. In addition to resources, the website contains a calendar of behavioral health public events.
“The most important feature of this website is its capacity for hosting the resources of so many organizations, ensuring easier access to behavioral health resources in a way that respects the rich diversity of our great state,” said Danette Castle, CEO of the Texas Council of Community Centers.
The site was launched by the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to provide a single place to learn about behavioral health services available through the council’s member agencies.
For more information, visit mentalhealthtx.org.
Corpus Christi - No Citywide Storm-Related Brush Collections
Based on the forecast, the city is not expected to experience intense wind speeds that typically destroy or strip vegetation.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The City of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to actively monitor Tropical Storm Beta. Based on the forecast, the city is not expected to experience intense wind speeds that typically destroy or strip vegetation. Therefore, Solid Waste Services does not anticipate a citywide special storm-related brush collection.
Targeted pickup may be provided pending assessment by the city.
Beginning Monday, September 21, Solid Waste crews will resume regularly scheduled brush collections beginning with area 1A (Flour Bluff and Padre Island). Regularly scheduled brush collections in area 9 (Annaville) and 10 (Calallen), are ongoing and will continue until complete.
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.
Construction of Crosstown to Greenwood
The project scope includes rehabilitation with new asphalt pavement, a multi-use side path, pedestrian improvements, and pavement markings.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The construction phase of the Bond 2012, Proposition 1 - Holly Road: Crosstown Expressway to Greenwood Drive project is scheduled to begin this month. The project is anticipated to take about 10 months.
The project scope includes rehabilitation with new asphalt pavement, a multi-use side path, pedestrian improvements, and pavement markings. Utility improvements include a new water main, new wastewater main, storm drainage improvements, and conduit for information technology.
Due to COVID-19 and the limits on public gatherings the Engineering Services Department is providing the public the opportunity to view the exhibits, review important information about the project and give public comment online. For further information please visit: www.cctexas.com/publicmeetings.
Corpus Christi Free Sandbag Distribution Drive-Through
Residents wanting to safeguard their homes and businesses from possible flooding associated with Tropical Storm Beta, can pick up free sandbags at two different locations on Saturday, September 19.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The City of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Beta which has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to become a hurricane this weekend, bringing with it a threat for flooding in the western Gulf Coast.
Residents wanting to safeguard their homes and businesses from possible flooding associated with Tropical Storm Beta, can pick up free sandbags at two different locations on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until sandbags run out.
Distribution sites include Bill Witt Park, 6869 Yorktown Boulevard and the J.C. Elliott Transfer Station and Collection Center, Highway 286 and Ayers Street. Citizens will receive a maximum of ten (10) sandbags per vehicle. Drivers are asked to clear an area in the trunk of their vehicles for the sandbags. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers and passengers should please wear face masks and remain inside their cars while they are being loaded.
For more information please contact the City’s Call Center at 361-826-CITY (2489).