Alana Hernandez
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Past articles by Alana:
Harlingen church offers curbside services
HARLINGEN — A Valley church has created a new way to offer services during this COVID-19 era. Worshipers are able to receive the communion and request prayers from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles. The St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen is offering weekly curbside communion and prayer services. “We’ve been in the … → Read More
Judge strikes down SPI’s food truck rules
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — As a result of a state district judge’s decision, food truck entrepreneurs hoping to operate in this coastal city will have greater chances of doing so. On Dec. 8, state District Judge Arturo Cisneros Nelson struck down South Padre Island’s food truck permit cap and restaurant permission requirement. According to a … → Read More
SPI extends beach operations order
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — In an effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, rules are still in place for those headed to this city’s beach. During a meeting held Wednesday, South Padre Island City Council made a five to one vote in favor of extending its emergency management order regarding beach operations to … → Read More
South Padre mulls speed limit reduction
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — City officials are looking into speed limits in this area that’s currently undergoing construction and is often frequented by motorists and pedestrians. During a meeting held Wednesday, the South Padre Island City Council discussed reducing the speed limit on the north end of the Island from 40 to 35 miles per … → Read More
SPI nonprofit helps clear trash from beach
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — During Tonya Tallard’s free time, she can most often be found spending time at one of her favorite places, the beach. After moving to the Island from Wisconsin five years ago, Tallard began volunteering at Sea Turtle, Inc. where she learned that the diamond-shaped marks in plastic found on the beach … → Read More
Local doctor named Texas Dentist of the Year
HARLINGEN — Early on, Dr. Gary M. Schwarz was originally inspired to become a farmer like his father. However, after his parents recommended he become a doctor or a dentist because of his love for biology, he became inspired to pursue a career in dentistry and oral surgery. Schwarz grew up in the Rio Grande … → Read More
Santa Rosa teacher achieves dream of becoming an educator
SANTA ROSA — A typical morning for Rolando Vela begins as early as 4 a.m. and is spent creating lecture notes, highlighting important topics and searching for engaging YouTube videos to tie into his lessons. From being a city manager of Laguna Vista and working with an array of government officials to testifying before House … → Read More
Appeals court remands topless bar case
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — For years, attorney Larry Mark Polsky has been in pursuit of building a topless bar on the outskirts of the Island. In early 2018, the Cameron County Commissioners Court denied Polsky’s application to build the business just north of Beach Access No. 6 on the Island. Previously, his application was denied … → Read More
Sea Turtle Inc. enters final phase of 2020 Capital Campaign
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From helping injured and sick sea turtles to assisting in conservation efforts and educating the public, this local nonprofit operates daily with the goal of helping improve the marine environment. Sea Turtle, Inc. announced on Monday that the facility is in the final phase of its 2020 Capital Campaign. “Sea turtles … → Read More
SPI debuts sixth sea turtle in art trail
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Residents and visitors venturing to this coastal city will spot many works of art that showcase local artists’ creativity and feature the beauty of the area. The City of South Padre Island debuted its sixth sea turtle in its Sea Turtle Art Trail this week in front of the SPI Community … → Read More
Sea Turtle, Inc. receives interactive virtual learning program award
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From educating about different threats these marine animals face to explaining the nesting and hatching process, Sea Turtle, Inc. provides learning experiences to both its in-person and virtual visitors. The nonprofit recently announced it’s a recipient of the 2019-20 school year Pinnacle Award for its Interactive Virtual Learning program. The award … → Read More
TxDOT launches game to combat distracted driving
HARLINGEN — From texting and talking on the phone to eating and drinking, these everyday actions could cause serious distractions for motorists who do them while behind the wheel. Despite stay at home orders and less traffic these past few months, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials say the state continues to see the same … → Read More
VIA hopeful numbers continue to trend upward
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to create hardships, communities and businesses are faced with the task of recovering from and adapting to these trying times. During a meeting held Friday, the City of Harlingen Valley International Airport (VIA) Board discussed June reports and safety measures they’ve implemented. According to director of aviation Marvin “Marv” Esterly, the amount of… → Read More
San Benito Museum features “Preoccupations” exhibit
From food such as tacos and burritos to a variety of text and depictions of people, art enthusiasts will be able to witness a variety of pieces that showcase a unique twist and flair. The San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum’s latest exhibit “Preoccupations” features an assortment of acrylic paintings by Edinburg resident Paul Valadez. Originally from California, Valadez moved to the Rio Grande… → Read More
Sunny Glen continues preparations for new Transitional Living Center
Young adults who have experienced neglect or abandonment as a child and are in need of a little extra help as they transition into adulthood will soon have a place to call home while they find their footing. Sunny Glen Children’s Home, a nonprofit organization that provides a home for abused and neglected children, is gearing up to open its Sunny Glen Transitional Living Center. The center will… → Read More
South Padre to have hospital, medical center
Residents and visitors of this coastal area will soon have closer access to hospital and medical center health care. During a City Council meeting Wednesday, South Padre Island EMS medical director Dr. Joe Ybarra gave an update regarding future medical provisions for the city. Ybarra, along with Chris Adams, an associate of Sam Wilkinson, announced that a hospital and medical center will be… → Read More
Fourth of July event to be held on South Padre
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, entertainment performances have been on hold for a few months. However, the state’s easing of restrictions has enabled entertainment venues to host performances again if they follow certain health protocols. During a press conference held Wednesday afternoon, Cameron County officials, along with event organizers and sponsors announced they will host a Red, White… → Read More
Vandals damage South Padre Island's Sandcastle Village
The scattered remains of engraved sand sculptured hearts and large, themed sand sculptures can be found spread throughout this once festive, tourist attraction. Several sand sculptures in the Holiday Sandcastle Village on South Padre Island suffered significant damage this weekend by vandals. “It’s terrible,” sandcastle village founder and business owner Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga said with a… → Read More
Sea turtle nesting season begins on Texas Coast
From now through September, many female sea turtles will be traveling toward the Texas Coast to find their desired nesting locations. Because of this, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives are urging Texas coastal visitors to do their part in helping protect these threatened and endangered sea turtles that are making their way to the beach. According to FWS representatives, these… → Read More
Tip-O-Tex Trail Riders start their 60th annual ride
It’s a sight most don’t see every day. During their drive this week, Lower Rio Grande Valley motorists might spot a group of horseback riders journeying on the roads of several cities. Tuesday, about a dozen Tip-O-Tex Trail Riders embarked on their 60th annual ride. Read the full story at themonitor.com → Read More