Port Aransas law enforcement and beach patrols prepare for spring break crowds

Port Aransas law enforcement and beach patrols are preparing for an influx of visitors as spring break nears, and local officials report tourism growth of about 20 percent in some markets for the two-week period compared with last year.

Port Aransas law enforcement and beach patrols are preparing for an influx of visitors as spring break approaches over the next couple of weeks. Tourism is described by local leaders as central to the community's economy, and officials say they are seeing increases compared with last year. Local sources note that many overnight visitors during spring break are families as well as students. Authorities say the busy season often brings recurring public-safety and crowd-management challenges. What officials report: - Brett Stawar, president of the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, said tourism is at the core of the Port Aransas economy. - Stawar reported growth of up to about 20 percent in certain markets for the two-week spring break period compared with last year. - Port Aransas Police Department Lt. Joseph Rivas identified underage drinking as a recurring concern during busy periods. - Joey Farah, manager of Port Aransas Surf Rescue, said crowds sometimes include rough behavior and alcohol, and that Surf Rescue is fully staffed for the season. - Officials said the Nueces County Sheriff's Office, Texas Game Wardens, and the Highway Patrol will be in town to assist with enforcement. - Operational stoplights were added on beach access roads along Highway 361 to improve vehicle flow, and Surf Rescue reported choppy surf of about three to four feet. Summary: Local authorities are coordinating enforcement, beach rescue staffing, and traffic changes to manage larger crowds while tourism continues to support the community's economy. Measures cited include multi-agency patrols, added stoplights on Highway 361, and full staffing for Surf Rescue during the upcoming spring break period.