March is National Nutrition Month

March 2, 2026 By

March is National Nutrition Month which is an annual campaign created by the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics. I would like to discuss the importance of making informed food
choices by developing sound eating habits and through physical activity. Texas has been helpful
in promoting good nutrition for our citizens.

Since Texas has a diverse geography, this means that bountiful amounts of naturally
grown foods that are delicious and wholesome can be found throughout our state. Our farmers
grow nutritious vegetables and fruits in our well-kept Texas soils which allows for these foods to
have healthy amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need to
function properly. Specific foods rich in these nutrients are broccoli, blueberries, spinach,
cauliflower, tomatoes, peaches, squash, onions, tree nuts (pecans, almonds, etc.), oranges,
pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and many more. To learn more about Texan-grown products visit:
http://gotexan.org/Home.aspx.

However, there is not a one-size- fits all approach to nutrition and health but there are
some major ingredients and processed foods to avoid. The most prominent food to steer clear is
added sugar. Foods with added sugar are often highly caloric and have harmful effects on our
organs. Additionally, foods with high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners have
been linked to severe health problems like obesity, cardiovascular (heart) disease and type two
diabetes. However, these sweeteners can be replaced with products such as raw honey or stevia
which are better alternatives to use in baking or iced/hot tea and coffee.

Another food group to be cautious with is artificial trans fats, also known as partially
hydrogenated oils. Trans fats have been linked with raising bad cholesterol and lowering good
cholesterol. This can lead to health risks such as high blood pressure which can cause poor blood
circulation in our bodies. The regular consumption of trans fats have also been shown to lead to
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.

Taking advantage of all the wonderful whole foods our state has to offer is beneficial in
many ways because making smarter nutritional choices can go a long way. To learn more about
nutrition visit: https://www.nutrition.gov/. In addition to this, you can visit the Texas Department
of Agriculture's website at https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home.aspx. For more information
about National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, please visit:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Todd Hunter

Tourism-Ready: Preparing Padre Island for a Strong 2026 Season

January 27, 2026 By

Padre _ Island fun national-seashore-2026As we enter 2026, the island and the greater Corpus Christi area are gearing up for another successful tourism season, with several city efforts focused on enhancing the visitor experience while supporting local businesses and residents alike. With Spring Break and summer on the horizon, the City proactively launches beach maintenance, park improvements, and business-friendly policies aimed at keeping our coastal community welcoming and safe.

One of the cornerstone efforts to support tourism this season is beach maintenance and nourishment projects along Padre Island. This year, city crews undertook significant beach renourishment programs to restore shoreline width in areas affected by erosion, redistributing sand along key access points and stretches ahead of peak visitor activity. These efforts help maintain safe and enjoyable beach conditions for both residents and tourists alike, strengthening our island’s appeal as a premier coastal destination.

To further support the island’s vitality as a visitor destination, the city is also moving forward with amenity enhancements and park infrastructure improvements. A $19.4 million project at Commodore Park is projected to enhance visitor amenities that will add basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a shaded playground, walking trails, picnic areas, ADA-accessible parking, and enhanced lighting, transforming the park into a recreational hub for families and visitors.

Construction begins this month and is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.

From a policy perspective, the City has made it easier for visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches with beach parking permits and streamlined surfing and shoreline maintenance year-round, ensuring the Gulf Coast remains a safe and well-maintained environment for all.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on mobility, connectivity, and community parking. Initiatives like Padre Island Mobility Plan demonstrate a continued commitment to improving transportation and pedestrian experiences on the island, encouraging visitors to explore more of our community.

These coordinated improvements, from beach renourishment to parks and infrastructure upgrades, represent the City’s ongoing commitment to preparing Padre Island for a successful 2026 tourism season. By enhancing the quality of life for residents and creating a welcoming environment for visitors, we continue to build a strong coastal community where businesses thrive, and everyone can enjoy the natural experience that our city has to offer.

Paulette Guajardo, Mayor of Corpus Christi

The Mayor’s Office is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist with questions or concerns.
Phone: 361-826-3100

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, buying a home, corpus christi, Harbor Bridge, home maintenance, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Real Time MLS, Retail Tax, Todd Hunter, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI Tagged With: , ,

Nature Tourism in the Coastal Bend

August 25, 2025 By

The Coastal Bend is one of the top tourism destinations in the State of Texas. This is in great part due to our region’s many historical, cultural, and coastal attractions. With the summer travel season well underway, I would like to spend some time discussing the different components of the tourism industry in our region. Today, I want to share with you information about this important type of tourism as well as several unique nature-based attractions and activities found in our area.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department defines nature tourism as tourism based on the natural attractions in the area, which may include activities such as birdwatching, stargazing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and visiting parks or wildlife habitats. As a coastal community, our area is home to a number of beaches, bays, and estuaries that are popular destinations for visitors to our area, including the Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park, and Goose Island State Park. According to the National Park Service, the Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier in the world and contains 70 miles of protected coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats. The park’s diverse ecosystem makes it a haven for different marine and wildlife, including the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, which is an endangered species. The Amos Rehabilitation Keep, also known as ARK, is a program at the University of Texas-Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas that works to help care for and rehabilitate our wildlife to ensure the successful release of as many animals as possible. Meanwhile,

Mustang Island State Park offers access to five miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, where visitors of all ages participate in activities such as swimming, kayaking, camping, and fishing. Additionally, Goose Island State Park in Aransas County provides camping, fishing, hiking, geocaching, boating, along with observing and taking photos of wildlife.

The Coastal Bend is also home to several parks and preserves that serve as a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. These habitats contribute to one of the best examples of nature-based activities driving visitors to our area: birdwatching. With over 215 species of birds spotted in the area, the Audubon Society has routinely named Nueces County and Aransas County as premier destinations for birdwatching in the country.

Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Rockport-Fulton are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, an online resource providing information about the best locations to spot birds and other wildlife.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Charities, corpus christi city council, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, Eagle Ford Shale, Golf Cart Rules, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Packery Channel, padre island events, Scam Alert, spring break, Todd Hunter, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI, windstorm insurance

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 6, 2024 By

The month of October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According
to the National Research Center on Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are
affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, this means that this is a common problem for
many people. Additionally, it is estimated that annually 20 million people will be abused by their
partner. Therefore, millions of people are in a constant state of fear for their livelihood. As a
result of the alarmingly high statistics, it is important to be educated about domestic violence and
to be aware of the signs to protect those around you from domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a critical month for the public and survivors of
domestic violence. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project describes domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive
behaviors–including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic
coercion–used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or
regain power and control in the relationship.” Abusers use a wide variety of methods to scare,
terrorize, humiliate, injure, and in some instances kill their partners. Domestic violence is
incredibly dangerous since this can have lasting emotional, psychological, mental, and physical
effects on those being abused by their partners.

In addition to the horrible effects of domestic violence, anyone can be a victim regardless
of gender, race, or age. Due to this, it is important to know the signs of domestic violence. A few
of the signs that someone is being abused are someone telling their partner they never do

anything right, showing jealousy when their partner spends time with friends rather than with
them, insulting or shaming their partner in front of others, and blaming their partner for their
violent behavior. If you believe someone is being abused, reach out to them and inform them of
their options to get help.

For more information about domestic violence and resources to help those being abused,
please visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website https://ncadv.org/.
Along with this, the International Rescue Committee is a great source to learn more about the
signs of domestic abuse https://www.rescue.org. Additionally, you can visit the Domestic
Violence Awareness Project to learn more about the importance of Domestic Violence
Awareness Month https://www.dvawareness.org/about-dv. Also, The National Domestic Hotline
is 1.800.787.3244 and is available 24/7.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Charities, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

Padre Island – Corpus Christi Update July 2024

July 26, 2024 By

Padre Island is undertaking an inspiring journey,
harmoniously integrating development with conservation
to preserve the essence of our Island.

I am delighted to share a significant development
regarding our cherished Packery Channel and the Michael
J. Ellis Seawall. This summer, we are set to embark on a
transformative project that will see sand moved southward
to expand and enrich the beach along the Michael J. Ellis
Seawall. There is now a secured permit from the Corps of
Engineers that allows for the sand to be moved laterally
along the beach. This initiative comes after careful
planning and coordination. Previously, we were limited to
pushing sand from the dune line out to the mean high tide
line. This restriction led to the natural buildup of sand on
the north side of Packery Channel, where the beach
widens due to the prevailing currents depositing sand at
the jetty.

To address this, starting in September, the careful process
of transporting the sand by truck from its current location
to Ellis Beach will begin. This strategic move will not only
enhance our beach’s aesthetic appeal but also bolster its
useability and resilience against natural forces.

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that funds have
been approved to improve Commodore Park. There has
been an allocated $400,000 to develop detailed designs
for various parts of the park, including phases 1A, 1B, and
2, as well as the Community Center. Initial concepts for a
new skatepark will also be created. This funding still needs
the approval from Council but marks a promising step
towards enhancing our community spaces.
We are committed to ensuring that our beaches and parks
remain beautiful, welcoming spaces for all to enjoy. Thank
you for your patience and support as we undertake these
important endeavors to improve our coastline and the
Island community.
We are also making great strides in improving our Island’s
infrastructure. The City has recently completed work on
Tesoro, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard streets. Currently,
our city crews are working on Barataria and will soon start
on Coral Vine, Jessamine, Allamanda, Tamarisk,
Seagrape, and Broomsedge. The estimated value of the
streets improvements on the Island performed by in house
city crews is $1.9 million. These upgrades are essential for
ensuring safe and accessible roads for all residents and
visitors.
The City of Corpus Christi is looking for your opinion
through a public survey to help identify potential uses for
existing sales tax money. The survey is set to close on
Sunday, June 23. Your valuable feedback will help shape
our great City. For more information about the Type A

Sales Tax Reauthorization and to participate in the survey,
visit
www.cctexas.com/sales-tax-reauthorization.

As always, I express my appreciation for your steadfast
support and commitment. My door is always open to hear
your voice and concerns. Feel free to reach out at 361-
826-3100 or by email at paulette.guajardo@cctexas.com.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, corpus christi, Golf Cart Rules, Harbor Bridge, Investment Property, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, mustang island, Packery Channel, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, Restaurants, selling a home, spring break, Todd Hunter Tagged With: ,

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PASS RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT A 2nd BRIDGE TO PADRE ISLAND

January 24, 2023 By

The commissioners of Nueces County on Wednesday approved a resolution endorsing the building of a second bridge to Padre Island.

The second bridge’s location has not yet been made public.

TxDOT would be required to assist with the enormous project, which Mayor Paulette Guajardo estimated might cost up to $1 billion.

Brent Chesney, the commissioner for Nueces County’s Pct. 4, remarked, “It’s all about TxDOT, right?” “Because TxDOT has funding for projects, we need to move up the financing list. We need to go on even though we’re probably already behind other areas that require second causeways.”

The decision made on Wednesday is simply the beginning of the process, though.

Article Excerpt continued on KIIITV >>>>

 

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, chamber of commerce, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi city council, Harbor Bridge, Holiday Parties, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, mustang island, Packery Channel

A Second Causeway To Padre Island ??

December 14, 2022 By

A delegation from North Padre Island will consult with TxDOT representatives in December to discuss the need for a second causeway between the island and Corpus Christi’s mainland. Although many locals have been considering it for years, the new expansion is giving the project greater momentum. District 23 State Representative Todd Hunter remarked, “The Port Aransas, Padre Island, Flour Bluff Zone, it’s one of the largest real estate areas currently.” Growth that was hardly noticeable twenty, ten, or even five years ago when Ted Mandel, a retired man, chose the island lifestyle. Mandel predicted that there would be more visitors and residents and that everyone would encounter traffic bottlenecks on weekends during the summer and spring vacation. Mandel claimed to have observed the drawbacks of having a single causeway.

Ted Mandel urged. “How many reminders do we need? One of the electricity poles on the causeway back there fell just a week ago,” someone said.
Owner of Hard Knocks Rod Lewis remarked, “It’s not just a safety problem. But if you close those specific lanes and people can’t get here, it’s a problem for businesses.
The decision to lead the charge to start construction on a second causeway was made by Mandel and Hunter.

You’re noticing more traffic, remarked Hunter. You’re beginning to notice various weather patterns that demonstrate the need for and the gravity of having evacuations, so occasionally the timing simply happens. A causeway has been considered in the past starting at Roddfield Road, going along Yorktown Boulevard through Flour Bluff, and crossing the Laguna Madre. Hunter stated, “We have a group looking at several areas. To even start addressing the issues of whether, when, how much, and who will pay for a second causeway, numerous studies, including wildlife studies, are required.

Padre Island’s Hardknocks Sports Bar & Grill will host a meeting on December 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
TxDOT representatives are anticipated to attend a second meeting at Hardknocks on December 15 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
In January’s legislative session, Hunter said he wants to be ready to speak with other state members.
Because there is a transportation need for the entire state of Texas as well as the local area, Hunter added, “We’re going to start looking at funding places statewide.”

Article Originated in Caller Times

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, cybersecurity, Harbor Bridge, Local Schools, Packery Channel, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge

US Transportation Infrastructure Maintenance Plan

June 24, 2019 By

In response to an invitation from the US Chamber of Commerce for a plan to fund the maintenance of US roads, waterways and airports, I submitted the following plan;

In a free market economy such as the US economy, the fairest and most economically efficient method to fund infrastructure maintenance is a user fee paid by the businesses and individuals who use and benefit directly from the infrastructure facilities.  Those who benefit, should pay.

The US Society of Civil Engineers recently conducted a survey of the “catch up” costs to bring US infrastructure up to good condition.  That survey included roads, bridges, inland navigable waterways and airports.

The fairest and most efficient funding source for roads and bridges is to increase the existing federal vehicle fuel tax.  There are road “wear and tear” factors for each type of vehicle based on vehicle weight.  For example, an 18-wheel semi-truck and trailer factor is 9,000 times that of a car, van or SUV and the factor for a bobtail truck is 3,000 times.  The fuel tax on truck diesel and passenger car gasoline should be prorated based on those factors to ensure that freight trucks and passenger cars pay their fair share based on the “wear and tear” they cause.  Trucking companies will pass the fuel tax through to their customers in their freight rate.  The fuel tax would have the additional benefit of providing economic incentives for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The fairest and most efficient funding source for navigable inland waterways is either a ton-mile tax or a marine diesel fuel tax on the vessel operators.  The choice between a “ton-mile” tax or a marine diesel tax should be based on which is easier and more efficient to administer.  The inland vessel operators will pass either tax through to their customers in their freight rates.

Both the road fuel tax and inland waterway tax should be dedicated by Congressional statue to infrastructure maintenance only.  Both user taxes should be based on the US Society of Civil Engineer survey cost for “catch up” maintenance to be completed efficiently.  After that period, both taxes should be reduced to a level required for long term maintenance.

The fairest, most economical funding source for airports is a gate tax on the airlines that use the airports.  The airlines will pass the tax through to their customers in ticket prices.

The US Chamber recently proposed that Congress increase the existing 18.4 cents per gallon fuel tax by another 25 cents.  Perhaps, my plan had some influence with the US Chamber.

Ralph Coker

Bio:  Ralph Coker is a retired petroleum Refinery plant manager.  He writes on business, economic, military and political topics

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, Harbor Bridge

Rebuilding the Iconic Harbor Bridge

June 21, 2017 By

If you’re a native South Texan, no doubt you are familiar with Corpus Christi’s big, beautiful, bridge.  The one that is sure to mesmerize and to some may even seem a little scary to cross.  You guessed it—the Harbor Bridge–the iconic roadway that is a distinct feature of the sparking city by the sea’s landscape is about to get a major upgrade.

The Harbor Bridge as we currently know it was built back in 1959 for a total cost of approximately $11 million dollars. It was considered the most important design work of Texas Highway Department Bridge Engineer Vigo Miller and was featured in Time magazine in 1964 for its exceptional beauty. No doubt our current bridge has served our community well, but increased safety concerns rooted in an aging infrastructure meant it was time to research a rebuild.

City and regional leaders have been working more than 15 years to pave the way for the construction of a replacement Harbor Bridge.  After an extensive Environmental Impact Study, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was granted approval from the Federal Highway Safety Administration to rebuild the current structure.  Now, here we are at the launch of one of the largest and most significant transportation projects in the region.

This summer, construction will commence on a new Harbor Bridge.  This new structure promises to be just as magnificent and beautiful as the beloved, current Harbor Bridge.  Making the most of the majestic views of the bay, the new bridge will be the longest, cable-stayed, concrete-segmental, bridge in North America.

The nearly $900 million project will include the development, design and construction of just over six miles of combined bridge and roadway.  It will include the new six-lane Harbor Bridge, as well as, the reconstruction of approximately 1.6 miles of IH-37 and approximately one mile of the Crosstown Expressway.  Once the new bridge is open to the traveling public, the project will conclude with the demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge.  The design/build firm, Flatiron/Dragados, LLC, who were chosen by TxDOT to complete construction, anticipate the project will take five years to complete.

The new bridge design incorporates a number of aesthetic features including shared-use paths, a community plaza, nighttime LED lighting and xeriscape landscaping. Designers are aiming for the new Harbor Bridge to be just as iconic as the original.  In order to get there, it’s anticipated that between 500 and 650 skilled workers will be needed to complete the job.  For more information on employment opportunities and general updates about the Harbor Bridge Project, please visit www.harborbridgeproject.com.

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi business, Harbor Bridge, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge Tagged With: ,